England rugby union defence coach Mike Ford has ruled out the possibility of taking over the nation's rugby league side.

Ford, a former Wigan and Castleford scrum-half, had emerged over the weekend as the surprise favourite for the position recently vacated by Tony Smith.

The 44-year-old was once rated as one of the brightest coaching talents in the British game but chose to switch codes after a stint in charge of hometown club Oldham.

His announcement comes after another candidate for the post, Wakefield's John Kear, also distanced himself from the vacancy.

Ford said: "My name got linked with the job, it gathered momentum and the bookies made me favourite.

"I was surprised, I don't know where it came from.

"I'm very happy with my job with England rugby union. We've got a job to do, ultimately for the World Cup in 2011.

"I just want everybody to by crystal clear I'm very happy with where I am."

Kear, the oldest coach in Super League at 55, was also thought to be one of the leading contenders for the job.

Kear, who has led Sheffield and Hull to Challenge Cup success, previously coached the England team during the 2000 World Cup.

He is now a vastly more experienced coach but insists his priority is with Wakefield, whom he took to the play-offs last season, rather than a second spell with England.

Kear, who has two years remaining on his contract with the Wildcats, said: "While I'm extremely flattered to be linked with the national team, I still have a job to do at Wakefield.

"Nobody from the Rugby Football League has been in touch with me or the club and I'm concentrating on the task in hand at the Hearwell Stadium."

Another coach currently in rugby union, Shaun Edwards, has also been linked with the post, as have Bradford's Steve McNamara, Justin Morgan of Hull KR and Great Britain legend Ellery Hanley.

Meanwhile, Ford has taken the opportunity to defend the England coaching set-up following recent heavy criticism.

Manager Martin Johnson and his staff have come under scrutiny due to the team's recent below-par displays in their autumn internationals.

Ford said: "We've seen a lot of new players wearing the England shirt and it is very positive. We are looking forward to the Six Nations now and the ultimate prize is the World Cup.

"A lot of the criticism we have received has been unnecessary.

"I've been surprised by how vicious its been and how quickly it has gained momentum but all that matters in our coaching and playing environment is that we know what we are trying to achieve.

"We are very positive and we are building all the time."