The RFU contacted Mallett earlier in the week concerning the team manager post © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Martin Johnson | Nick Mallett

Teams: England | South Africa

England have suffered an early blow in their search for Martin Johnson's successor after Nick Mallett ruled himself out of the running.

Johnson resigned from his position as England team manager on Wednesday after weeks of speculation following the side's early exit from the 2011 World Cup. And with Jim Mallinder and Graham Henry in the frame to take the biggest job in English rugby, former Italy coach Mallett was another man mooted to be a potential contender to take the helm.

But after previously suggesting he could be interest in leading England into the 2015 World Cup, Mallett has now ruled himself out of the reckoning through a statement on his agent's website and also revealed the Rugby Football Union made contact with him about the post prior to Johnson's resignation.

"I would like to lay to rest the speculation linking me to the now-vacant England Rugby coaching position," Mallett's statement read. "The RFU contacted me earlier this week to enquire about my availability for the position, should Martin Johnson resign. I had previously expressed my interest in the position publicly and was interested to hear what RFU representatives had to say.

"After mulling it over for a few days and discussing the opportunity with close friends and family, I have decided that I will not be making myself available for the position and I have disclosed this to the RFU. My primary concern is my family - I am happy to have returned home to South Africa after a tremendous four-year term with the Italian national team. We are settled in Cape Town and it is my wish to be able to enjoy time with my wife and kids after four years in Italy.

"I thank the RFU for making their interest known to me. The job of England coach is one of the most prestigious in world rugby and I wish them all the best in their quest for the best possible man for the job."