Lions coach Ian McGeechan yesterday turned his back on the chance to mastermind England's 1999 World Cup campaign. The Scot officially ruled himself out of the running after weeks of speculation that he would replace Jack Rowell as England coach.

Rowell's part-time contract expires on August 31st, and Northampton coach McGeechan had been targeted by the English Rugby Football Union's head-hunters. However, in a short statement, the RFU announced that McGeechan no longer wanted to be considered.

The statement added that Fran Cotton and the national playing committee would continue their discussions with Rowell and other candidates for the position. An announcement would be made on August 29th.

Northampton's millionaire owner Keith Barwell had requested a reported £500,000 in RFU compensation to release McGeechan from his Franklin's Gardens contract, which still has six years remaining.

Cotton described Barwell's demands as unreasonable, and hinted that the RFU would not be prepared to pay more than £200,000 compensation to prise any England club coach away from from existing employment.

Rowell could now remain in charge, with the RFU appointing a full-time manager to work alongside him. Candidates might include Gloucester's Richard Hill, successful Sale coach John Mitchell or Bath's Andy Robinson.