The Rugby Football Union are reportedly ready to appoint Stuart Lancaster as the permanent head coach of England, with an announcement due before the weekend.

The interim boss became the frontrunner for the position, over the likes of former Italy coach Nick Mallett, after his success in the Six Nations with the elite side.

It is understood that the 42-year-old has informed the interview panel that he wishes to keep hold of his management team including Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell, despite the RFU being keen to expand the coaching staff, according to the Daily Mail.

The governing body will have to buy out Farrell from his current contract with the Saracens, which has prompted suggestion that Lancaster is confident of being offered the full-time position.

It is thought that the advisory panel met with chief executive Ian Ritchie yesterday in order to discuss the candidates and lodge a final recommendation to the board at Twickenham.