Rugby Union: Woodward Wants In, Says Jones

Eddie Jones suspects Sir Clive Woodward is "touting himself" for a return to a senior role with England's rugby union team, although the former Australia coach believes his former sparring partner will only accept a job with guarantees of complete control.

Jones, a consultant at the Premiership club Saracens, said: "You always tend to go back to what has been successful when you are under a bit of pressure, but I'd be surprised if Clive was interested in the job unless he had power over everything."

After watching his new side climb out of the relegation zone with a win over Worcester yesterday, Jones said that England's recent decline had come as a surprise to him. "I didn't expect it, but apart from New Zealand no one is consistently good. England are struggling to put together a coherent game plan but there is still a fair bit of time to the World Cup."

England's fortunes could turn this summer in Australia, he said. "You guys are writing that it's all doom and gloom but if England play one decent game against Australia in Australia everything will be OK."

The Rugby Football Union's chief executive Francis Baron has dismissed speculation linking Woodward to a return and he will today write to Southampton's chairman Rupert Lowe denying that any approach has been made to lure back the World Cup-winning coach.