Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson does not expect former Ireland coach Warren Gatland to succeed Andy Robinson as the new England boss.

Gatland, who was in charge of Ireland between 1998 and 2001 before taking up roles at Wasps and subsequently Waikato has been touted as a possible replacement for Robinson, who is expected to leave the post today.

But Dawson insisted the man who led Waikato to the Air New Zealand Cup this year and has recently been appointed as assistant coach to the Chiefs Super 14 side would reject any advances from the RFU.

Dawson told The Waikato Timesin New Zealand: "I'm not expecting him to spring anything on us at all. There's nothing in this story."

Gatland is still highly regarded in England after masterminding Wasps' rise to the pinnacle of European and English rugby, winning three successive Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup in 2004.