Andrew's role in doubt as Cotton agrees to review RFU structure

Fran Cotton has agreed to chair an independent review of the entire England structure at the Rugby Football Union, which will place fresh scrutiny on Rob Andrew's role at Twickenham.

Cotton, the former RFU vice-chairman, will lead a two- or three-strong panel that will include at least one member with no rugby connections. Cotton's team will be charged with reviewing the performance of the RFU's professional rugby department and assessing Andrew's own report into England's failed World Cup campaign.

The independent panel will undertake their review next month and make recommendations to the RFU's management board and the council on 2 December.

Andrew's current role is as Twickenham's rugby operations director and he announced on Sunday that he had accepted the new position of professional rugby director, although his appointment is yet to be rubber-stamped. Cotton's panel will have the power to recommend the person they believe should head up the professional rugby department.

Cotton's panel will also have the power to recommend changes to the England team's management structure.