Trio out of running for Wales job

Three early frontrunners to become the next Wales coach have ruled themselves out of the job.

Australian Eddie Jones is set to work as a consultant at Saracens next season, while South African Nick Mallet seems to be heading for the Italy post.

And former Wales coach Mike Ruddock said he was staying with Worcester.

"It is nice to be linked again with coaching at international level but I am enjoying the challenge at Worcester," said Ruddock.

Wales have launched a worldwide search for a new coach after sacking Gareth Jenkins on Sunday.

Jenkins paid the price for Wales' exit at the pool stages of the World Cup, bringing a premature end to a disappointing 17-month period in charge.

Jones is working as a technical advisor to the Springboks at the World Cup, and is set to work as a consultant at English club Saracens next season.

After unexpectedly leading the Wallabies to the World Cup final four years ago, he has all the top-level credentials coveted by the WRU.

But he told the Guardian: "I have not given the Wales position any thought.

"I have always said that I want to return to international coaching one day, but it has to be the right job at the right time."

Jones, who led Australia to the 2003 World Cup final, immediately emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed Jenkins

But he said: "I am committed to joining Saracens after the World Cup.

"I am concentrating on the World Cup and will then turn my attention to the Premiership."

South African Mallett has been lined up by Italy to replace outgoing coach Pierre Berbizier and admits he is now committed to the Azzurri.

"I have gone quite far down the road in my negotiations with Italy," he told the Western Mail.

"There will probably be an announcement on that front after the World Cup. There are just one or two things to be sorted out, but that is my preferred choice."

Asked if his head could be turned by the Welsh job, he added: "I don't think so. It wouldn't be fair on the Italian federation.

"Having basically agreed on 90% of the issues, it would be wrong for me to turn round and renege on that. I am too far down the road."

Mallett's CV is similarly impressive to Jones after he set a new record for consecutive wins, 17, in his time at the helm of the Springboks, while he also guided Stade Francais to consecutive French titles.

Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis has said a caretaker coach is likely to be in charge for the South Africa game in Cardiff on 24 November.

Lewis said they would take time to guarantee they make the correct appointment after conducting a full review of the Welsh rugby structure.

Whoever is appointed will become Wales' sixth coach in as many years, and Lewis admitted the short shelf-life of previous incumbents could put off perspective candidates.

"That could be a consideration," Lewis told BBC Radio Wales. "That's why it's so important for us all to behave properly, in a measured way.

"We must have in place a clear structure and strategy that will take us forward and that will be attractive to the very best."

Lewis also revealed that the search to fill the newly created post of Elite Performance Director (EPD) will be stepped up.

The WRU announced in March their intention to appoint someone whose brief would be to ensure the maximum number of top players achieve their potential and build competition for places in Wales.

Former Wales coach Kevin Bowring, currently the head of elite coach development at the Rugby Football Union, has been linked with the new post.

Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans could also be in the frame as the WRU looks to turn around Wales's flagging fortunes.

The WRU says the position could be filled from within rugby, from another sport, or from a business, academic or commercial background.

Source: BBC Sport