Stuart Lancaster has reportedly been appointed as the permanent head coach of England following an impressive stint as interim boss.

The 42-year-old is believed to have beaten former Italy coach Nick Mallett to the full-time role after leading the elite national side to four out of five victories during the Six Nations.

Lancaster was vocal about his desire to give a number of young players the chance to prove their worth in an England shirt, as well as bring back the passion in playing for the country following a disastrous World Cup last year under former coach Martin Johnson.

It is understood that RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie gave the former Leeds director the nod over the other candidates to the board of approval this week.