Next England coach: RFU target coach with 'proven international experience' to replace Stuart Lancaster

The appointment of Lancaster's successor will not be rushed, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie

A general view of Twickenham (GETTY IMAGES)

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie says England will not rush a new appointment as they seek a coach of "proven international experience" to replace Stuart Lancaster.

Lancaster paid the price for England's dismal World Cup campaign by stepping down as head coach, a decision the RFU board "unanimously accepted".

Ritchie says the decision was a mutual decision after an extensive review into England's woeful World Cup which saw them become the first host nation to exit before the knockout stages.

And Ritchie has stressed Lancaster's replacement should not be made hastily.

He told a press conference at Twickenham: "The most important thing is to get the right person. It's very important we get a head coach of proven international experience. Speed is important, but the right person is more important.

"Our focus is upon recruiting the best possible head coach. Whilst this is a priority, it's important we take sufficient time to find the right person."

Ritchie said the decision to remove Lancaster was made only after seeking the opinion of 59 different people involved in England rugby.

He added: "Nobody is more disappointed than (RFU chairman) Bill (Beaumont), Stuart or myself about our performance at the Rugby World Cup.

"We conducted a comprehensive review. The panel saw 29 people, I spoke privately and at length with another 30 people and gave those views back into the panel.

"We spent a lot of time with Stuart during this period. We've had extensive feedback from the players and have been most grateful for their cooperation. We've also seen every member of the coaching and managing team and we've had feedback from all 12 directors of rugby.

"After the conclusion of the panel, I spent several hours with Stuart and together concluded that it was time for a change of head coach. This action was unanimously endorsed by the RFU board."

Ritchie confirmed Lancaster would not be remaining with the RFU in a different capacity.

"For a new head coach, it's very difficult for the previous head coach to be sitting there within the organisation," Ritchie added.

"We did have discussions, we did look at this, but despite the skills Stuart has we felt it was right to make a clean break."

Beaumont added: "The board discussed it last night at length and with a new coach coming in, we felt it was probably better that Stuart would leave the Union.

"In years to come, who knows what jobs might be around that Stuart might want to apply for?"

In the RFU's initial statement on Wednesday afternoon, the future of Lancaster's assistants Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell was not mentioned.

Ritchie revealed the duo's job prospects will be decided by the new head coach.

He added: "The assistant coaches remain under contract. The head coach will want to have look at what he's got in terms of assistants."

Ritchie insisted he is the right man for the chief executive role, and was backed by Beaumont to deliver England the experienced new coach they require.

Ritchie said: "Of course I feel personally about what's happened and what's gone on. I think it's equally important, though, that I continue to deliver for the organisation and move it forward.

"I think it's very important I take that accountability and move forward. I'm grateful for the board asking me what to do and I will do that to the best ability with all the knowledge and experience I can."

Beaumont added: "Ian has the full support of the board in going out and recruiting the best coach we can get. We're thoroughly behind Ian in the process and I think what he's done over the four years he's been here... we're in a pretty good state."