Cumbrian Steve Borthwick is favourite to replace Eddie Jones as head coach of England men's rugby union side.

The Carlisle-born former national team captain is said to be the Rugby Football Union's top choice for the job.

And some national reports claim Borthwick could be invited to take the role sooner than expected, with Jones' immediate future under scrutiny.

The Telegraph report that Jones, who is due to step down after next year's World Cup, is set to meet RFU chiefs early this week.

The newspaper say RFU are considering axeing him now and replacing him with Leicester Tigers boss Borthwick.

Jones' future is under the microscope after a poor run of autumn results for England which included defeats to Argentina and South Africa

Borthwick, who led Leicester to the Premiership title last year, has long been regarded as a potential long-term successor, with other reports linking Warren Gatland with a caretaker role should Jones be removed before the World Cup.

Jones' predecessor was also a Cumbrian - Stuart Lancaster, from Culgaith near Penrith.