Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron and Welsh Rugby Union chairman David Pickering have held informal talks about the possibility.

BBC: England and Wales ponder Cup bid

Cattermole appears to have lost a political battle which has resulted in the RFU council backing his alleged rival, chief executive Francis Baron.

BBC: Francis Baron, chief executive of the RFU

The 61-year-old's current deal ends in December but Rugby Football Union chief executive Frances Baron says Ashton will be asked to stay on.

BBC: Ashton set for new England deal

"We have spent a lot of time working very closely with the FA and the Premier League clubs, " said RFU chief executive Francis Baron.

BBC: Venues may hamper England's bid

Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Francis Baron told BBC News the players were acting on legal advice by not speaking to the police.

BBC: England four in NZ assault probe

"Ofcom's proposed approach effectively confiscates our rights and donates them to organisations who have consistently declined to invest in sports rights despite having balance sheets that dwarf Sky's, " RFU chief executive Francis Baron said.

BBC: Sky told to cut wholesale prices by regulator Ofcom

"New disclosures are generally a good thing for our business, " says Cathy Baron Tamraz , chief operating officer at privately held Businesswire.

FORBES: Confidence Crisis, Business Boon