Dick Best has joined the list of potential candidates for the job of England rugby coach following the surprise resignation of Jack Rowell. Best, who was ousted as Harlequins' director of rugby in May, yesterday admitted he would be willing to set aside his differences with the RFU and accept the post if it were offered.

As a former England coach with an excellent record (played 17, won 13 in 1992-94), Best has the requisite experience and knowledge of Test rugby to undertake what has become the toughest job in British rugby. More to the point, Best would be free to begin work with the England squad immediately, having steered clear of binding commitments since his sudden departure from Harlequins.

Best, who was dismissed by Rowell from his coaching role in August 1994 after working successfully with the previous manager Geoff Cooke for two years, also gained valuable Test experience as a Lions coach on the 1993 tour of New Zealand. He admitted: "I felt I was harshly treated three years ago and my record speaks for itself. I have no fears at all about being able to do the job."

The chief obstacle to Best's appointment would seem to be the number of opponents he has accumulated within the RFU, a body he has frequently castigated in forthright terms. However, so far Best has not crossed swords with the influential vice-chairman of the national playing committee, Fran Cotton, who has emerged recently as the self-appointed kingmaker of England coaches.

It remains to be seen whether Roger Uttley, who was England coach from 1987 to 1991, will accept the job of England's manager which he is likely to be offered when he returns from holiday next week. An Uttley-Best combination would certainly carry credibility among the players as well as increasing the clout of Wasps (Uttley's club) and accelerating the promotion of Lawrence Dallaglio, the Wasps skipper to the England captaincy which is currently held by Phil de Glanville.

Guardian Service