British and Irish Lions

The Rugby Football Union's Club England committee meet on Thursday, with elite rugby director Rob Andrew set to present his thoughts on the way forward following Robinson's exit.

Harlequins director of rugby Richards is a strong contender for the job after his success at domestic and European level with Leicester, but insists it is far from a fait accompli.

"If someone knocks on my door, I would listen," Richards told the Daily Mail.

"But, and it is a massive but, a lot of questions would have to be asked. Things would have to be right. I haven't been approached."

The Club England committee must decide whether to appoint someone in the short term to see them through next year's RBS 6 Nations Championship and the defence of the World Cup or to find a long-term successor to Robinson.

The Brumbies pair of Ben Mowen and Christian Leali'ifano will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of their team mates by beating the British & Irish Lions when they make their Qantas Wallaby Test debuts against the tourists in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rob Howley says having George North available for selection is a major plus for the British & Irish Lions as they go in search of the tries he believes will be needed to beat the Qantas Wallabies this Saturday.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.