Eddie Jones' long-term future as England rugby coach remains uncertain, after his boss raised doubts over a contract extension beyond 2021.
After England finished runners-up at the World Cup, Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said it made sense to retain Jones until France 2023, adding that talks would be held "as a matter of urgency" upon their return from Japan.
A two-day tournament debrief in November was "overwhelmingly positive" in tone, but Sweeney is now in less haste to extend the Australian's current deal, which has two years left to run.
"Eddie and I have sat down and talked on a number of occasions," Sweeney said.
"We continue to discuss it, but at the moment, he's fully committed to seeing out the contract until 2021 and we'll take it from there. We're chatting about it.
"We'll do whatever we think... reading the media over the last six weeks, the camps are pretty split.
"Some are saying don't rush into anything, just stay with 2021. Other people are saying you should really do a four-year until France 2023.
"We'll do whatever we think is right for England rugby and it's got to work for both sides.
"Eddie is committed to seeing out his contract, so there's no looming deadline, when we'll feel we need to make a pressing decision."
Jones may be eyeing the British & Irish Lions job that Warren Gatland will vacate after the 2021 tour of South Africa.
The Lions will tour Australia in 2025.
Reuters
