Stuart Lancaster has admitted that he was completely unaware that the Rugby Football Union had contacted Nick Mallett about succeeding him as England head coach.

Doubts surround Lancaster's long-term future after the Red Rose failed to progress into the quarter-finals from Pool A in their home Rugby World Cup.

Mallett, who has coached South Africa and Italy, has revealed that he recently rejected the chance to coach the English team.

When asked by Sky Sports News for his thoughts on the development, Lancaster said: "I didn't know that. I guess that's just the nature of the situation we're in. I've got enough to think about than worrying about anything else, to be honest."

England's fate was sealed when they were beaten 33-13 by Australia last weekend.