The Rugby Football Union have already revealed the identity of England’s next head coach. They did so two months ago, on the Tuesday after Eddie Jones’ side had thrashed France 44-8, to very little fanfare.

Halfway down a press release announcing that England Women would face the Barbarians at Twickenham on June 2, it was confirmed that Jim Mallinder would oversee the men’s side – on a temporary basis, of course – against the invitational outfit in a historic double-header.

It is almost a year and a half since Mallinder’s Northampton Saints tenure ended in December 2017. Trading the “24-7” treadmill of life as a Premiership director of rugby for the slopes, he took three separate ski trips. “I didn’t watch any rugby,” says the engaging Yorkshireman with a trademark grin. “I didn’t read any papers, I just got away and enjoyed some holiday time.”

Sufficiently refreshed, Mallinder was offered “a number of opportunities” and reportedly came close to joining Cardiff Blues the following March. Instead, though, he headed for Twickenham and arrived at the RFU last June as part of Dean Ryan’s pathway overhaul.

Mallinder has travelled back to the future. Between 2004 and 2007, following three years in charge of Sale Sharks and prior to a decade at Franklin’s Gardens, he served as a national academy coach and led England Saxons.