Ashton waits to learn England fate

Brian Ashton faces an anxious wait to learn if he is to remain in charge of England's rugby team for the 2008 RBS Six Nations Championship.

Ashton's one-year rolling contract expires at the end of the year and there are reports linking South Africa's World Cup-winning boss Jake White with the post, although it is known the Rugby Football Union would prefer an Englishman at the helm.

Some commentators believe that Ashton could remain as head coach but with elite rugby director Rob Andrew having a more hands-on role in charge of team affairs.

The 61-year-old former Bath boss has come under fire despite leading England to the World Cup final in France.

Both Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallagio have both talked about unrest in the camp during the tournament but Andy Gomarsall and captain Phil Vickery have been amongst those players throwing their backing behind Ashton.

Vickery said: "We did have issues and some of Lawrence's points are very valid, but at the same time we have to remember there is a book to sell. Brian is always going to have his critics but a line has to be drawn."

He added: "Sometimes people step over it. I feel very, very sorry for Brian with some of the things that have been said.

"Some have been very personal and very hurtful. We are all human beings after all. Brian has always had the best interests of the country at heart.

"I think the whole situation is very, very sad. It is very sad for the game, too. I just think this has taken away from what is important and that is what we achieved in France.

"Yes we know there were some issues behind the scenes. We did have a meeting to sort out bits and pieces. We said what we felt.

"I am sure Brian will look back and admit mistakes were made and would agree that things could and maybe should have been done differently. I am sure he has asked himself, 'Would I or should I have done this or that?'

"I cannot remember a team I have been involved with that had coaches who agreed totally with each other.

"I am not saying everything was a bed of roses, but I have been in World Cup crisis meetings before - in 2003, for example, after the quarter-final against Wales when we didn't play well, but that is forgotten because we went on to win."

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