Three former national team captains were last night named on the panel to recommend Sir Clive Woodward's successor as England head coach.
Fran Cotton, Bill Beaumont and Club England chairman John Spencer will be joined by former Bath and England back Simon Halliday and the Rugby Football Union's performance director Chris Spice.
Acting head coach Andy Robinson is a clear favourite to replace World Cup winner Woodward, who resigned last week after seven years in charge and is likely to make his presentation to the panel next week.
The five-man contingent, together with RFU chief executive Francis Baron, will offer a joint recommendation to RFU management board members, who will make the appointment.
"The Club England panel is a very strong one, and reflects the importance of the appointment and the selection process," said ex-England and Lions centre Spencer.
Filed by Barry McEneaney
