RFU still have role for Brian Ashton in mind

The Rugby Football Union insists it still wants Brian Ashton to be part of the England coaching set-up, despite a likely reshuffle.

There has been mounting speculation over Ashton's future after a mixed Six Nations campaign and with former skipper Martin Johnson expected to be appointed as the new team manager.

The RFU are expected to announce a revamped coaching structure in the near future, but chief Francis Baron has stated that the board want Ashton to stay on as part of the management.

Baron told BBC Radio Five Live: "Brian's a wise old bird. He'll decide if he likes the new structure or not - but I hope he does.

"He's a great individual and being a blunt Lancastrian, he will tell us if he doesn't like it."