Falcons chief rules out England switch

Rob Andrew has distanced himself from the England coaching job which looks set to be vacated by Clive Woodward.

A frustrated Woodward was due back at Twickenham this morning for further discussions with his lawyer, Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron and RFU management board chairman Graeme Cattermole.

England’s World Cup-winning mastermind, who had been expected to resign yesterday, still seems certain to quit his post following seven years in charge, but the sticking point appears to be about his exact departure terms.

Directors of Southampton Football Club, meanwhile, were set to meet later today, with Woodward poised for a ground-breaking role at St Mary’s.

Newcastle rugby director Andrew though, despite being strongly backed as Woodward’s eventual successor, has underlined his commitment to the Falcons.

“I have a contract here until 2007, and I’m staying here until 2007,” he said. “Who knows what happens after that? Clive will do what he is going to do. He has always been his own man, but all this is pure speculation and a non-starter as far as I’m concerned.”

Former England fly-half Andrew has been in charge at Newcastle since 1995, winning the Premiership title and two domestic cup finals during that time.

Other contenders for the England job would include Gloucester rugby director Nigel Melville, Woodward’s current number two Andy Robinson and possibly ex-Springboks coach Nick Mallett.

England’s next game is against Canada at Twickenham on November 13, which should not present too much of a problem for whoever is in charge.

But the Canadians are followed on successive weekends by resurgent Tri-Nations champions South Africa and England’s recent 50-point conquerors Australia.

Woodward said earlier this summer that serious questions would need to be asked if England get it wrong in November, and whether he is still at the helm or not, that scenario remains.