Richard Hill looks an interesting contender at 8-1 with William Hill to be the next head coach of the England rugby team after Andy Robinson reluctantly stood down today.
Hill, an ex-England captain and scrum-half, has worked wonders with unfashionable Bristol, leading them to top spot in the Guinness Premiership. And, whilst he recently agreed a new three-year contract at Bristol, the RFU would be expected to agree a compensation package with the west country club should they decide that Hill is their man. Hills can expect to see business at their quote, with rival Coral quoting Hill three points shorter at 5-1.
Hills have appointed existing England coach Brian Ashton as their 7-2 favourite, although Coral are dismissive of his chances, offering odds of 14-1.
Martin Johnson figures prominently in both bookmakers’ lists — Coral go 3-1 and Hills a point longer — but the man who captained England to World Cup success in 2003 has no experience as a coach and has said he would not be interested.
Rob Andrew, a 5-1 chance with Hills, could be persuaded to step into the breach until the World Cup but has said that he does not want to be involved with England in a hands-on role.