Wakefield coach John Kear has denied he has any ambition to take over as England boss, despite having been linked with a return to the role.

Kear took charge of England for the 2000 World Cup in the UK, but says his focus is now on the Wildcats.

Mike Ford, England rugby union defensive coach, has also denied any plans to re-join rugby league as England head coach.

Kear, at 55 the oldest coach in the engage Super League, played down suggestions that he may be Tony Smith’s successor as England coach.
 
"While I'm extremely flattered to be linked with the national team, I still have a job to do," he said. "Nobody from the Rugby Football League has been in touch with me or the club."

Kear said his priority was to “provide the best possible first team, develop a successful career path for players all the way through from the Under-18 team and ensure we have a football operation that will satisfy an application for the next phase of Super League in two years.”

Ford has also been mentioned as a potential successor to Smith, but says he wants to remain at Twickenham and assist England RU in recovering from their current poor form.

"I'm happy where I am and want to stay with England rugby union," said Ford. "We've got a job to do - the ultimate goal being the 2011 World Cup.

"I'm sure there are plenty of candidates out there. There's plenty to choose from. Steve McNamara springs to mind who has already been on board and seems a natural successor to Tony Smith."

It is thought that the appointment will be made by a four-man RFL panel before the 2010 mid-season international against France.