I am obviously extremely saddened to finish the way we did in this World Cup and to step down from the role.
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England became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stages when they lost matches to Wales and Australia in Pool A.
“Here was a talented rugby player and athlete who was selected in the squad, and he made a full contribution during training while he was in the squad”.
“I feel privileged to get the chance to coach the Stormers”.
However, the same day the the RFU held a press conference where chief executive Ian Ritchie said: “The most important thing is to get the right person”.
He was on the RFU’s shortlist when Lancaster was appointed in 2011, but has not coached in worldwide rugby since leaving the Italy post after the 2011 World Cup. “We conducted a comprehensive review”.
“We spent a lot of time with Stuart during this period”.
“We don’t want the Stormers playing like the Brumbies”. We’ve also seen every member of the coaching and managing team and we’ve had feedback from all 12 directors of rugby.
“I would like to thank the players, coaches, management and everyone at the RFU for their commitment, support and hard work in my time as head coach. This was subsequently ratified by the RFU Board”.
While White has publicly suggested he may be available, the RFU is not awash with big-name interest.
Lancaster relinquished his head coach role by mutual consent on Wednesday, the RFU launching a global search for a new boss with “proven worldwide experience”. “I have coached in France, I have coached in Australia, I have coach in Japan with Eddie [Jones] and I just think the more broadened you are as a coach the more you can share with teams you coach around the world”.
“He came here because he wanted to”.
In a statement released by the RFU, Lancaster expressed his “sadness” at the way his reign ended but accepted the “responsibility” ultimately lay with him.
Jake White’s first audition for the vacant England head coach job ended in a 41-18 six-try defeat at Harlequins.
Ritchie revealed the duo’s job prospects will be decided by the new head coach.
That leaves only Smith, but the World Cup winning assistant coach said back in May that he is planning to take a sabbatical in 2016.
“I simply do not believe Ritchie, who does not know a ruck from a maul, is the right man to lead this appointment, let alone have the new man report into him in the years which follow”.
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Ritchie also said he was not embarrassed by Sam Burgess’ departure from English rugby and return to the NRL. I don’t think they will but look at what he has done with Argentina.
