Rassie Erasmus is a surprise absentee among five contenders to succeed Eddie Jones as England head coach, according to bookmakers.

Jones will be stepping down from his role after the 2023 World Cup in France, but the Australian is again under fire after the Roses suffered a shock 30-29 defeat by Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday.

Earlier this year, it was widely reported that the smart money was on Erasmus to succeed Jones at England RFU’s headquarters, with the SA director of rugby even tipped at 2/1 in March.

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According to Ruck.co.uk, William Hill have the latest odds, and Erasmus is no longer even a candidate to take over when Jones vacates the position.

The latest front-runners for Jones’ job are Kiwi Scott Robertson, who is currently contracted to the Crusaders, and Leicester’s Steve Borthwick, who worked as forwards coach under Jones for four years, along with former Wales and British & Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland, France forwards consultant Shaun Edwards and current All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt.

Favourites to replace Eddie Jones:
– Steve Borthwick 3/1
– Scott Robertson 6/1
– Warren Gatland 8/1
– Shaun Edwards 10/1
– Joe Schmidt 12/1

MORE: Jones: England made ‘silly mistakes’ against Argentina

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