The Rugby Football Union denied making contact with Nick Mallett yesterday over the role of England head coach.

Mallett, speaking to the South African media, claims to have received a call from the RFU earlier this week after England’s World Cup demise plunged the future of Stuart Lancaster into doubt.

“There is a clear process at the conclusion of England’s tournament, which starts with the review. No pre-judgements have been made nor anyone contacted,” an RFU spokesperson said.

Mallett coached the Springboks from 1997 to 2000 and spent four years at the helm of Italy before his reign ended in 2011.

The 58-year-old was interviewed for the England position in 2012 but the RFU opted for Lancaster after the Cumbrian had presided over an encouraging Six Nations on a caretaker basis.

“I’m not going to consider it. I was keen for the challenge in 2011, but not anymore. I’m enjoying my current job,” Mallett is reported to have said.

Lancaster is preparing his team for today’s final World Cup match against Uruguay and isn’t paying attention to the rumours.

“I didn’t know that to be honest, that’s just the nature of the situation we are in. For me it’s a case of getting on with the day job,” Lancaster said.