DEAN RICHARDS insists there has been "absolutely no dialogue" between himself and Twickenham top brass about succeeding Andy Robinson as England boss.

The 43-year-old former Leicester rugby director and England number eight, who is currently in charge at Harlequins, remains favourite to replace Robinson.

Robinson lost his job earlier this month following England's dismal autumn Test performances, when they suffered defeats against Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand.

Rob Andrew, the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, is in charge of moves to find a new England head coach or manager with the world champions' opening RBS 6 Nations game against Scotland less than seven weeks away.

A caretaker boss is likely to be appointed for the Six Nations campaign, with current England attacking coach Brian Ashton possibly being installed before Christmas.

Richards is under contract with Quins until 2008, and his coaching pedigree - two Heineken Cup triumphs and four successive Premiership titles while at Leicester - makes him an obvious target.