Jake White has warned England he will not be submitted to the "rigmarole" of an arduous application process for the vacant head coach role.
The Montpellier boss challenged the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to install him as their top choice before he will consider succeeding Stuart Lancaster as England's new head coach.
White has twice been spurned at the final hurdle by the RFU, when Martin Johnson took control in 2008 and again when Lancaster was handed the reins in 2012.
The 2007 World Cup-winning coach has now warned England and RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie he will now allow himself to messed around for a third time.
"Everyone in world rugby knows this is one of the prime jobs, in fact even in world sports," White told Sky Sports.
"If the RFU thinks I am the man for the job and there wasn't going to be any rigmarole of going through the whole process which I have before then I would be a contender."
Lancaster relinquished his head coach role by mutual consent on Wednesday, the RFU launching a global search for a new boss with "proven international experience".
No sooner had that recruitment drive begun, though, than two of the leading contenders distanced themselves from the vacant role.
Eddie Jones and Wayne Smith both claimed they had no interest in any advances from England, despite the RFU vowing to break the bank with the cash offer for their new appointment.
Former South Africa boss White insisted on Thursday night that he had not been subject to any approach from the RFU, while leading Montpellier into European Challenge Cup action at Harlequins.
"Nothing has happened, I haven't got any calls or anything so I just need to get on with my job," said White.
While White remains a clear bookmakers' favourite, Australian Jones and New Zealander Smith have also been strongly backed.
Jones took Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, when they were beaten by Clive Woodward's England after extra-time, and he inspired a memorable 2015 World Cup campaign for Japan that included toppling South Africa in scintillating fashion.
Jones, 55, was unveiled as head coach of Cape Town-based Super Rugby franchise the Stormers on Thursday.
Speaking during a press conference after being asked about the England vacancy and reported by www.supersport.com, Jones said: "I am wholly committed to the Stormers.
"When I wake up in the morning I look out on to Table Mountain and think of how lucky I am to be here. This is a fantastic city, and Western Province is one of the most prestigious unions in world rugby, with 125 years of history behind it.
"I feel privileged to get the chance to coach the Stormers. It is my aim to produce a really good rugby team that can deliver on the expectations of the fans. That is my goal at the moment."
Smith, meanwhile, plans to take a a break from rugby after being part of the New Zealand coaching staff that oversaw World Cup final glory at Twickenham just 12 days ago.
"I am being clear with everyone that I'm not coaching full-time in 2016," Smith, 58, told the BBC.
"I've had 29 years in the game as a coach, and it's time for a break. I will see what 2017 and beyond brings."
Ritchie's desire for the new boss to have international experience, which would appear to suggest the overseas market will be England's stopping point.
The likes of current Australia coach Michael Cheika, Wales boss Warren Gatland and ex-South Africa chief Nick Mallett have also been mentioned as possible candidates.
But, while England could now see a first foreign head coach installed after Lancaster paid the price for a dismal World Cup campaign that produced a painful pool stage exit, the contentious overseas player selection policy is set to stay.
It is understood there are currently no plans to change England's approach. It remains with an "exceptional circumstances" clause, covering areas such as injuries, suspensions and sudden retirements.
Ritchie said: "To be clear, this is still a restriction that says players who are playing overseas will not be selected unless in exceptional circumstances. That is the current arrangement and agreement.
"I've said before I think it's right, and I do agree with that policy. I do not think that was an impediment to the end result of what happened at the World Cup."
