The Rugby Football Union have been dealt a fresh blow to their coaching resources ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan with the revelation that Jim Mallinder is set to be announced as Scotland’s new director of rugby on Friday.

Mallinder, former Northampton director of rugby, has been in charge of the RFU’s international player development programme following the departure of Dean Ryan in May.

Mallinder, who coached England in their match against the Barbarians at Twickenham in June, had also been in the frame as a potential successor to Eddie Jones but has instead opted to join the Scottish Rugby Union as the successor to Australian Scott Johnson, who is moving to the Wallabies.

It is expected Mallinder will be in his new position in time for the World Cup in Japan next month, given that the RFU is unlikely to want the 53 year-old to remain in place. That will not stop the SRU acquiring significant intellectual property from Twickenham with his recruitment.

Mallinder, who won two England caps, began his coaching career at Sale in 2001. He previously had a role with the national academy at the RFU and also coached England Saxons between 2006-07.