Jake White has ruled himself out of the running to become England’s permanent head coach.
The South African, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, had been linked with the position.
But just 24-hours after revealing he had been approached by the RFU about the job, White has slammed the door.
Instead he will see out his four-year contract with the ACT Brumbies, who are set to face the Lions in June 2013.
He Tweeted: "Always hard turning down a chance to win a World Cup but rugby is about making the right decisions and that's to stay with the Brumbies.
"Want to tweet thanks for all the interest and support. The players are happy and we are now focused on the Cheetahs. Cheers @BrumbiesRugby."
White signed a four-year deal with the Brumbies last year and took the reins in July. He admits a position in charge of England would interest him but insists it is something for the future.
"I'm here for four years with the Brumbies. I've signed on the bottom line and you've got to judge people by their actions," said White.
"It's something I'd look at – it doesn't mean now, it doesn't mean leaving my job."
Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan, Conor O'Shea and Richard Hill will join chief executive Ian Ritchie and Rob Andrew on a five-man panel which will advise the RFU board.
Stand-in England coach Stuart Lancaster is expected to be interviewed before the end of the Six Nations while Nick Mallett, Eddie O'Sullivan and John Kirwan have also been linked with the job.
