England fly-half Toby Flood has called for Stuart Lancaster to be offered the national team job on a full-time basis.

The current interim boss, who is thought to be in a battle with former Italy coach Nick Mallett for the position, recently guided England to four wins in the Six Nations.

Flood is the latest of a number of players to back Lancaster for the role.

"It is difficult. Stuart did an excellent job in the Six Nations, he created an environment where all the boys were keen to work hard for each other," he said.

"If you take into account what he has managed to do in such a short space of time then he has to get the job.

"He gave a lot of the younger guys a chance and he created a winning team that narrowly missed out on a Grand Slam in the game against Wales."

The RFU are expected to appoint a new coach before June's tour to South Africa.

Written by
Jack Prescott