RFU reveal process for hiring performance director

Rugby Football Union chief executive John Steele has revealed he will conduct a "worldwide and multi-sport search" for a new performance director.

Steele is merging the elite department with the RFU's community rugby arm in a bid to strengthen the organisation's management structure.

The new centralised rugby department will be divided into the areas of performance, operations and development, which leaves the future of Rob Andrew in doubt with his role as director of elite rugby scrapped.

Andrew, 47, has been invited to apply for the role of rugby operations director, while Steele insists his search for a performance director will not be limited to the confines of British rugby.

""We are not necessarily looking for a proven international rugby coach although, clearly, if there is one with all the right skills, that would be terrific," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"But we want to cast the net widely and hope that others might apply. Ours will be a worldwide and multi-sport search and a completely open process. There is no pre-agreed plan to bring people back into Twickenham."

British Olympic Association performance director Sir Clive Woodward, England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach, was the most prominent name to be immediately linked with the job.