Dallaglio calls for England changes

Updated 11.11 Tue Oct 23 2007

Keywords: Brian Ashton, England, Lawrence Dallaglio, World Cup, rugby, sport

Lawrence Dallaglio believes changes must be made to the England rugby set-up despite Brian Ashton guiding them to the World Cup final.

But it would appear that Ashton does not enjoy the full support of the entire squad which came so close to making history by winning back-to-back titles in France.

"There are system changes that need to be made - whether that's personnel is not my decision" - Lawrence Dallaglio

The 61-year-old former Bath coach has a rolling contract which comes up for review at the end of the year and so far the Rugby Football Union's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew has refused to make a decision but has offered his support.

A review of the World Cup campaign is being conducted by English rugby's governing body but 2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio said: "There are system changes that need to be made - whether that's personnel is not my decision.

"Everything isn't rosy just because we got to a World Cup final. It's been an interesting couple of weeks. There's been no new contracts dished out yet. You need to ask Rob Andrew really - ultimately it's his job to ultimately decide where English rugby goes."

When asked directly whether Ashton should be involved for the 2008 RBS Six Nations Championship, Dallaglio replied: "Brian Ashton turned things around, but then again so have the players and all the coaches."

The Wasps back-row forward, who returns to Guinness Premiership action next month, continued: "I think a review will be done, by the right people. Rob will head it up and I'm sure he'll make the right decisions."

Meanwhile, Dallaglio's sentiments have been echoed by 2003 World Cup-winning boss Sir Clive Woodward, who believes it is imperative that RFU bosses take their time in making their decision.

Woodward said: "Brian has many attributes but, in these circumstances, the RFU is correct to take its time and examine away from the euphoria if he is the right leader for a four-year run to the next World Cup.

"I use the word 'leader' very purposely as it is strong leadership as well as a high-level coaching role that is required."