Current coach of the Brumbies Jake White has confirmed he has been approached by the RFU to take charge of England as Martin Johnson's permanent successor. However, the former South Africa coach has promised to remain in his current post for the rest of the 2012 Super Rugby which is only in its third week.

White is currently only eight months into a four-year deal with the Brumbies but is among the front-runners to take charge of England.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan is disappointed with the disruption the speculation has caused.

"Obviously this is a terrific opportunity for Jake White, and one which reflects his status as one of the world's leading coaches," Fagan said.

"It also speaks volumes about the quality of the rugby programme that Jake is putting in place here at the Brumbies that he should be sounded out for this role. That said, Jake is in the first of a four-year contract with the Brumbies, and there are many details that would need to be worked through should he be successful with his application."