Andy Farrell has quit as Saracens first-team coach and now looks set to take up a role on the England coaching staff.
The former rugby league and rugby union England international was part of England's coaching team during this season's Six Nations, but he opted to remain with Saracens after the tournament.
Stuart Lancaster and his England squad arrived in South Africa on Thursday for a three-Test tour highlighted by games against the Springboks in Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
The former England back Mike Catt has linked up with Lancaster and the forwards specialist Graham Rowntree for the trip, although Farrell could now become involved again.
Regarding Farrell's exit, the Saracens chairman, Nigel Wray, said: "We are sorry to see Andy leave, and we wish him well in the future."
Farrell had two years of his Saracens contract remaining, and England appears his probable destination. He was brought on board for the Six Nations campaign this year when England finished second behind Wales, who won the grand slam.
It proved a vast improvement on their dismal World Cup campaign in New Zealand last autumn under Lancaster's immediate predecessor, Martin Johnson, with England claiming victories over France in Paris, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
Lancaster had hoped to retain the 36-year-old Farrell's services but a deal could not be agreed and the Rugby Football Union turned to Catt for the South Africa trip.
The RFU has so far made no comment on Farrell's departure from Saracens.