Dallaglio and Catt disappoint RFU

Updated 11.38 Thu Nov 01 2007
Keywords: RFU, Brian Ashton, Mike Catt, Lawrence Dallaglio, rugby, England, sport, World Cup

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its "extreme disappointment" at criticism of England head coach Brian Ashton.

Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt have both appeared critical of Ashton in newspaper serialisations of their forthcoming autobiographies.

"The board recorded their extreme disappointment that two senior players have chosen to criticise publicly members of the England coaching team and disclosed alleged proceedings within England team meetings" - The RFU

The 61-year-old head coach has been blamed by both players for a lack of preparation and organisation, even though he led England to the World Cup final.

And the RFU, which is conducting a review of the tournament before deciding on whether to retain Ashton's services on his one-year rolling contract which expires at the end of the year, has responded.

English ruby's governing body said: "The board recorded their extreme disappointment that two senior players have chosen to criticise publicly members of the England coaching team and disclosed alleged proceedings within England team meetings.

"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."

Veteran centre Catt has called time on his international career while 35-year-old Dallaglio has said that he wants to play on despite only playing a fringe role in France.

Dallaglio has apologised for his attack on Ashton, saying: "People are entitled to their opinions.

"I didn't set out in this book to embarrass anyone, to make bad comments about other people, and if that's happened I apologise.

"But I think it would have been wrong of me not to finish with the 2007 World Cup the same way as I have tried to achieve through the book, which is just to be honest and open with my opinions.

"The timing obviously wasn't great, the dust is yet to settle on the World Cup, and if that's caused a problem then I apologise unreservedly. But people will hopefully read the book and think it's reasonably balanced."

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