Lancaster applying for England job

England's interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed his intention to apply for the full-time job.

The Rugby Football Union have advertised the position and have recruited head-hunters Odgers to scour the world for potential candidates.

"I will be applying. The job has been advertised. It's a good job and I am sure there will be a lot of interest worldwide and in England. My hat will be in the ring," said Lancaster.

"I love working with teams and trying to help players improve. The opportunity to do that at the highest level with England is fantastic."

Nick Mallett, Wayne Smith and Vernon Cooper are among the international names to have been linked with a role in the new England management team.

Northampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder has been seen as the leading domestic candidate.

Lancaster, the former Leeds director of rugby, has impressed RFU executives since taking over in a caretaker capacity for the RBS 6 Nations. The deadline for applications is February 15, which is just two matches into England's title defence.