News
Andrew calls for structure rethink
December 02 2008
RFU Director of Rugby Rob Andrew insists no changes will be made to the England coaching team, despite three successive defeats in the recent autumn series.
Australia, South Africa and New Zealand all romped to comprehensive victories over Martin Johnson's men and England now look for a quick-fix ahead of the 2009 Six Nations campaign.
The trio of morale-shattering losses in Johnson's first examination as England manager have put immediate pressure on both he and the new-look coaching team.
However, Andrew, who won 71 caps for England between 1985 and 1997, insists Johnson and his coaching quartet will be given time to turn their recent woes around.
"Johnno has a three-year fixed-term contract to the 2011 World Cup. That was a change to the contract structure of the RFU because we know what is required over the next three years," he said.
"This is a three-year project and the process has just started. Everyone knows the side needs rebuilding after the 2007 World Cup.
"Martin is very happy with the coaching team. Brian Smith has been brought in while John Wells, Graham Rowntree and Mike Ford helped drag [England] to the World Cup Final twelve months ago.
"They've got enormous experience, they know what's required.
"Brian's come in new bringing in new ideas - they have been working together for four weeks as a group of coaches and a group of players - [Johnson] is very comfortable with them and he will decide how he wants to go forward."
Andrew also confirmed that kicking coach Dave Alred, who was dismissed by the RFU in 2006, will continue to be paid by Twickenham to work with Danny Cipriani on England time, despite Jon Callard being Johnson's official kicking coach.
He then called for possible changes to the current structure of the national set-up, citing an improved A-league competition and the introduction of a Anglo-Wales tournament as priorities.
"We need a better A-League, we need an U25 Anglo -Wales competition which we've proposed for next season," he said.
"All of these things are critically important because there are a number of very talented players coming through.
"They've just had a big shock at international level - as we all have in the past when you first dip your toe in the water."