Brian Smith's anticipated appointment as England's attack coach looks ever more likely. London Irish chairman, Andrew Coppel, has issued a statement giving his director of rugby a green light to take up the post with the RFU, subject to satisfactory terms being reached.

'We are aware of the RFU's interest in having Brian Smith as England's attack coach,' said Coppel. 'If and when negotiations for the termination of his contract are concluded satisfactorily, he will be permitted to leave London Irish.'