Stuart Lancaster wins backing of RFU chief

Stuart Lancaster is one step closer to securing the England job on a permanent basis after receiving the backing of RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie.

The CEO gave Lancaster the nod over South African Nick Mallett and put his name forward to the union board for final approval.

Lancaster and Mallett both had formal interviews for the post of head coach last Thursday.

The Daily Mail reports that the RFU board held a formal meeting this evening, and will unveil Lancaster as the permanent successor to Martin Johnson later this week.

Lancaster was appointed as interim coach the Six Nations in December. He guided England to a second-place finish in the tournament.

Assistant coaches Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell are expected to take up permanent roles alongside Lancaster, though the RFU will have to buy out the former from his contract with Saracens.