Edwards, who has just signed a new deal to stay on as Welsh defence coach, believes the RFU must focus their attention closer to home when it comes to replacing the departed Martin Johnson as they look to retain their title in next year's RBS 6 Nations.

And the former rugby league star is adamant that going after the best coaches in this country is the policy the RFU should be adopting.

Edwards said: “We should go for the best of the guys currently coaching here, say Mallinder, alongside someone of unparalleled experience, say McGeechan.

"My guess is they'd develop as a partnership and develop England's young team at the same time.

"To my mind, Mallinder has already got most of what it takes to be an England coach.

“First with Sale and now with Northampton, he has turned sides around and last season came within a fingertip of claiming the Heineken Cup.

"If he's short of anything, it's the experience in fighting the battles in the corridors of power which are part and parcel of the England job.

"The thinking appears to be that Twickenham goes out in the market and buys an off-the-peg winner - a White, a Graham Henry. That seems like flawed thinking.

“The mindset seems to be that if you come from Australia, South Africa or New Zealand that's enough of a CV,” he added.