Tuesday Round-Up

Bookmakers in the UK have slashed odds on Eddie Jones becoming the next England head coach, fuelling speculation he is in line to take over.

Jones recently took up a post in Super Rugby with the Stormers after his heroics with Japan at the recent Rugby World Cup, when the Brave Blossoms won three games.

The 55-year-old was only unveiled by the Stormers last week to plenty of fanfare in Cape Town.

Jones previously coached Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and was part of the South African coaching staff who lifted the trophy in 2007.

With several other names recently ruling themselves out, including Michael Cheika and Jim Mallinder, Jones would now appear to be a major contender based on a high number of bets backing him to take charge of England being put down on Monday.

Montpellier boss Jake White has publicly declared his interest in the role and for now appears to be the only other serious option.

Jones ruled himself out of taking over as England head coach at his opening press conference in Cape Town, but with RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie suggesting that money would not be a factor when it came to England securing their number one target, more developments are expected in the coming days.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2017, NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew announced on Tuesday.

Foster has been Assistant Coach alongside All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen since 2012.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to have worked for the All Blacks over the last few years and to help the team achieve its goals, including winning the Rugby World Cup, and I look forward to getting stuck into next season after the summer break," Foster said.