Nick Mallett has reaffirmed he will not make himself available for England's vacant head coaching role. The former Springboks coach is one of world rugby's prize catches, and his name was immediately linked with England once Andy Robinson and the Rugby Football Union parted company.

Mallett though, will remain in South Africa, where he is currently employed by Western Province Rugby in Cape Town.

Western Province spokesman Gavin Lewis said: "Nick has confirmed that he is not making himself available for the position for personal and family reasons. In addition, he still has a year to run on his three-year contract with Western Province Rugby, and he would like to see his planning through to fruition.

"He will not comment further."

Whether England pitch for Mallett in a year's time though, cannot be discounted, as they look ahead post-2007 World Cup. RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew is currently working through recommendations on the coaching front that he will present to the management board next Wednesday.

Current England attack coach Brian Ashton has been tipped to take charge for this season's Six Nations Championship campaign, which starts against Scotland on February 3rd.

Although Andrew has kept cards close to his chest, Ashton is the firm favourite to land a role which Robinson held up until late last month.

England's dismal autumn performances — they lost at home to Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand — meant the end for Robinson after a 22-Test reign which produced just nine victories.

England have 10 scheduled games — the Six Nations, a two-Test tour of South Africa and three World Cup warm-up matches — before beginning their Webb Ellis Trophy defence against the USA in Lens on September 8.