Stuart Lancaster’s England exit welcomed

And Ian Ritchie was equally adamant that Burgess’s exit had played no part in Wednesday’s announcement that Stuart Lancaster was stepping down as England coach.

Lancaster admitted he was “saddened” at leaving the job he cherished so much in the wake of England’s despairing and embarrassing home World Cup failure.

England’s next match is their Six Nations opener away to Scotland on February 6, with the squad due to be announced in January.

“The most important thing is to get the right person”, said Ritchie.

Ritchie said, in the press conference at Twickenham following Lancaster’s departure, that he is targeting a coach with “proven worldwide experience”, but Moore hopes that does not mean the main man will be from overseas. While this is a priority, it is important we take sufficient time to find the right person.

And while the likes of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, former Japan coach Eddie Jones and South African Nick Mallet have been linked to a high profile position, former England centre Will Greenwood says it a New Zealander they should be chasing.

Ritchie also denied that the job had become a “poison chalice” despite the fact that no fewer than five coaches have come and gone since England’s World Cup winning boss Sir Clive Woodward departed 11 years ago.

“Since I finished with the Springboks I have always made it clear I have a burning desire to win another World Cup”, said White after his Montpellier side crashed to 41-18 at Harlequins.

He insisted: “We conducted a comprehensive review and had extensive feed back from the players”.

“I’ve said before, if the RFU were genuine about picking a foreign coach and considered me to be the right man for the job, it would be naive of me to tell you I wasn’t interested”.

“I don’t duck the accountability and responsibility but I think it’s a matter for the chairman and the board as well whether my situation is as it is”. The nationality is not important, getting the right coach is.

Ritchie pledged “no inhibitions” in recruiting Lancaster’s replacement, which effectively means the RFU is ready to break the bank and hand their chosen man one of the world’s most lucrative contracts.

In September, just prior to the start of the World Cup, Ritchie said he would accept “responsibility” for appointing Lancaster if the team fell short at the World Cup. “We are looking for a coach without inhibition”.

“It’s equally important that I continue to deliver for the organisation and move it forward”.

“We’re thoroughly behind Ian in the process and I think what he’s done over the four years he’s been here… we’re in a pretty good state”, added Beaumont, England’s 1980 Grand Slam-winning captain.

The futures of Lancaster’s coaches Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and Mike Catt will be decided once a new boss has been appointed.

“We need to get the best possible coach”.