Stuart Lancaster is to be named permanent England head coach by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on Thursday. The 42-year-old was interim boss for the Six Nations, after Martin Johnson resigned, and led England to second place with four wins from five matches. Lancaster had been interviewed for the role, along with former South Africa coach Nick Mallett. His appointment, subject to RFU Board approval, is set to be confirmed at a media conference on Thursday afternoon. It is understood he will be given a four-year contract, to run until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Forwards coach Graham Rowntree is expected to remain part of Lancaster's team but he faces a battle to retain Andy Farrell, who acted as backs and defence coach during the Six Nations. Saracens are reluctant to release Farrell from his job as first-team coach at the club. Lancaster was the number one choice with players, with back-row forward Phil Dowson saying the whole squad would back him. Aftee the news of his appointment broke, England and London Irish prop Alex Corbisiero said on Twitter: "Right decision has been made."