Andrew Non-committal on Ashton Future

Despite the success of England's World Cup campaign, national rugby director Rob Andrew refused to confirm whether coach Brian Ashton would remain in his job. "We will review the World Cup in the correct and proper fashion in due course," Andrew stated.

"Firstly we need to reflect on what the guys have achieved - I'm enormously proud," Andrew continued, "it's been an outstanding effort in more ways than one.

"You have your four-year plans, and you have your four-week plans - you can take your pick. These guys went for the four-week plan, and the turn-around they made was incredible. Brian was given a hospital pass, I think we both said that at the time, nine months out from the World Cup with England in disarray.

"Over the last 12 months we've been sorting out the problems in English rugby. I think we've done that now, and that we'll see more stability between the clubs and the RFU."

Andrew conceded that there was a need "to look at the issue of foreign players in the game, which is a problem across Europe."

Ashton himself was similarly reticent about the future, though he did permit himself a few knowing grins. "If you're sat in this job it's hard enough to go from day-to-day, it's a 24 hour job, let alone three or four weeks in advance."

Asked whether he thought he would be England coach in 2011, Ashton said gnomically: "As everyone knows, I'll be 65 in 2011, and that is retirement age for most people. I thoroughly enjoy the job, and I do know a lot of the younger guys personally from the National Academy, and I know there is a lot of talent coming through in English rugby.

"My views are very similar to Rob's," he continued. "I've not had a chance to at all in the last four months, and I plan just to sit back for a week and reflect on our Cup."

Both men were united in their praise and admiration for the team. "We matched South Africa in every department," said Ashton. "I told the players 'you've nothing at all to regret, you ought to be especially proud of the way you've conducted yourselves, not just as players but as people.' This is a special group of people."

Phil Vickery spoke of how coming so close and losing was a "stab in the heart." Asked whether he had any plans to retire, Vickery said: "I love what I do, unfortunately. To wear your country's jersey is just an amazing feeling, and I hope we've proven to all the young guys coming through that if you want to play for your country it is there, it can be done."