The Rugby Football Union has been forced to seek outside financial donations for the first time as the governing body’s cash crisis meant it could not provide England coach Eddie Jones with the World Cup budget he wanted, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.

It is understood that the RFU tasked former England captain Will Carling, who has been working with the England side as a leadership consultant, with approaching contacts in the City of London in a bid to raise the funds to cover the shortfall for the World Cup campaign, which begins on Sunday against Tonga.

Carling, who was given a financial incentive to bring in extra funding, is thought to have secured a significant six-figure sum, thought to be worth over £250,000, from Michael Spencer, a billionaire and regarded as one of the city’s most successful entrepreneurs, and a big rugby supporter.

Spencer is thought to have organised large send-off dinners for the RFU in the past, and as part of the deal was able to organise events with Jones, Carling and city executives before the squad departed for Japan. Spencer will also be in Japan to follow England’s progress.

It is understood that the RFU may consider similar approaches to raise funds from the City for causes beyond the England team. They would consider options similar to football, where donors pay significant money each season for certain privileges.