Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallet has refused to rule out a role at England, but has insisted that "the timing is not great".

The 55-year-old, who initially denied considering the vacancy with the English national side, has revealed that he will be taking a six-month break away from the game.

"I've just got back to South Africa after the World Cup and my children are in Cape Town and Johannesburg and my wife is very keen to spend some time with them," Mallet told Sky Sports News.

"The other [reason] is that the RFU have issues to sort out prior to making the post available and so timing is not great at the moment.

"There might be a time that would be appropriate, but it's hypothetical, we have to wait and see what happens with regard to the RFU."

Martin Johnson stepped down from the helm following England's tumultuous World Cup campaign in New Zealand.