STATEMENT: Kevin Sinfield explains Ben Youngs axing

Despite this setback, Kevin Sinfield has dismissed the notion that this marks the end of Youngs' international rugby career.

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Those dropped the squad includes Ben Curry, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson.

“Just because a player has left camp to go home doesn’t mean they’re been discarded,” Sinfield said.

“They are a massive part of what we are trying to do and they have been outstanding in training. It’s just a side that we have picked based on the opposition and one that we think will give us the best chance of winning.

“The change from last week has not been performance related, it’s to do with the threat that Italy pose and the way we want to play.”

Sinfield added: "I have only had three sessions with Henry and four with Jack, so my knowledge is going purely off what I have seen in training, but they are both outstanding individuals,”

“Henry is super talented and very, very gifted as a rugby player. Jack has really impressed me. He is really determined in how he goes about his business.

"He is very professional. His commitment has been outstanding in jumping on a plane and getting backwards and forwards from France. Both great additions to the squad.”

Forwards: O Chessum, D Cole, A Dombrandt, T Dunn, B Earl, E Genge, J George, N Isiekwe, M Itoje, L Ludlam, D Ribbans, K Sinckler, M Vunipola, J Walker, J Willis

Backs: H Arundell, O Farrell, T Freeman, O Hassell-Collins, O Lawrence, M Malins, J Marchant, A Mitchell, H Slade, F Smith, M Smith, F Steward, M Tuilagi, J Van Poortvliet

The Telegraph reports that the narrowing shortlist features current Argentina boss Cheika prominently.

Sources have told Sportsmail that Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to take charge after the World Cup.

He took on the position of Scotland Head Coach in the summer of 2017 after five seasons at the helm of Glasgow Warriors.

The Gala man made an immediate impact at the Scotstoun club, leading the side into the Play-Offs in his first season (2012/13) before reaching the PRO12 Final in 2014, ultimately losing to Leinster.

In 2015, however, Townsend led Glasgow to title success, defeating Munster 31-13 to lift the Guinness PRO12 trophy, before enjoying another first in his final year, when the club reached the knockout rounds of the European Champions Cup for the first time.

Townsend was named Guinness PRO12 Coach of the Year twice during his time in the west of the Scotland, a club he joined from his position as Assistant Coach to the Andy Robinson with the naitonal team (2009-2012).

Following his shock departure from Fiji last week, 'stern Vern' has been linked with the vacant Tigers job by The Telegraph

The 61-year-old New Zealander, appointed in January 2020, has left for personal reasons.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving at this time," said Cotter, who led Scotland to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015.

"The team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field."

Cotter is the fourth international head coach to leave his role in the past two months, following the departures of Wayne Pivac (Wales), Eddie Jones (England) and Dave Rennie (Australia).

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team," said Cotter.

"I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other's company.

"I wish the team all the very best for the upcoming Rugby World Cup later this year."

Another name mentioned is Leicester legend Richards.

Richards played as a number eight for Leicester Tigers from 1982 to 1997, during which he appeared in 314 games.

He served as captain when Leicester won the 1994-95 Courage League, the 1997 Pilkington Cup, the inaugural English league title in 1987-88, and the 1993 Pilkington Cup.

After retiring from playing in 1998, Richards was appointed as Leicester Director of Rugby. Under his leadership, Leicester won the Premiership Rugby title in his first four seasons and also the Heineken Cup in 2001 and 2002, becoming the first team to retain the trophy.

He then spent one year as head coach of FC Grenoble in France's Top 16. From 2005 to 2009, he coached Harlequins and led them to victory in the second division in 2006, and also to a second-place finish in the Premiership in 2009. However, Richards was banned from coaching for three years following the Bloodgate scandal.

Once his ban was over, he was appointed head coach of Newcastle Falcons, and led the team to another second-division title in 2013.