STEVE BORTHWICK is the strong odds-on favourite to replace sacked England head coach Eddie Jones.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed the Leicester Tigers chief and former England lock at 1/8 for the vacant position.
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England relieved Jones of his duties on Tuesday after a disappointing autumn campaign, which saw one win from four matches.
The 62-year-old leaves having taken England to a World Cup final and three Six Nations titles in his seven years.
The decision leaves England without a boss just nine months before the Rugby World Cup.
Whoever gets the role will kick-start their tenure against Scotland at the Six Nations in February.
And Betfair are confident that Borthwick will be the man entrusted with the coveted position.
Borthwick spent seven years as Jones’ right-hand man for Japan and England before becoming director of rugby at Leicester Tigers.
Richard Cockerill is next at 5/1 to swap his coaching role for the top job on a permanent basis, with Rob Baxter following at 10/1.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “The betting suggests it’s a one-horse race for the next England coach with Steve Borthwick the clear 1/8 favourite to replace the sacked Eddie Jones.
“A poor run of form cost Jones his job as England coach and his replacement won’t have much time before the Six Nations, where England are 5/1 to win, and then things quickly roll around to a World Cup in France with the Red Roses 6/1 to triumph.”
After Jones’ departure, Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said in a statement: “He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team.
“He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”
Jones himself added: “I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future.
“Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
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