Dallaglio Pushed Towards International Exit

Lawrence Dallaglio's 12-year international career looks at an end after the Rugby Football Union last night voiced its displeasure at the former England captain's criticism of the head coach Brian Ashton.

In newspaper extracts of forthcoming books Dallaglio and Mike Catt have been citical of Ashton's over a lack of preparation and organization, even though he led England to the World Cup final. Catt has since announced his retirement from international rugby but Dallaglio, 35, has said he wants to play on.

"The board recorded its extreme disappointment that two senior players have chosen to criticize publicly members of the England coaching team and disclosed alleged proceedings within England team meetings," the RFU said. "The long- standing ethos of the game, as well as the custom and practice of the England team meetings, is that they have always been private and confidential. It is essential that the fundamental trust between players and coaches, which is critical for any team's success, is not undermined."

Earlier in the day Catt said that despite his criticisms he believed that Ashton should not only remain as head coach but that the whole management structure should be based around him. "Brian's a hell of a good backs coach. He's a hell of a good attacking coach," Catt said. "I think Rob [Andrew, the Rugby Football Union's director of elite rugby] and Francis [Baron, the RFU's chief executive] have got to get a structure around him that England can work from because the youngsters coming through now will thoroughly benefit from the way Brian wants to coach the game: the freedom of the pitch and the way he wants to play with width."

Catt admitted of the serialization of his book: "The headlines were damning, but I think if you read the whole thing it was a well-balanced piece."