The former England coach Brian Ashton has turned down the opportunity to become head coach of the National Academy, choosing to focus instead on developing his own "sporting and business" consultancy. He will however continue to work with the Rugby Football Union, on an annually contracted basis, as part of the new venture.
Earlier this week at the RFU's annual meeting members had expressed a desire to retain Ashton's services, and it seems that a compromise has indeed been struck. In a joint statement, Ashton indicated that he had decided to forgo the chance to return to the National Academy – where he performed the role of manager from 2002 until 2005 – because he was not looking for a full-time position.
Ashton, rather, will recast himself as a high level performance consultant, specialising in "elite coaching and coach development". His new company, SCD South west Ltd, will provide services to the RFU, and it is likely that he will remain involved with the development of the country's future rugby stars.
"I have given full and careful consideration over the last two months to my future career plans and I have decided to develop my own company [SCD South West Ltd] delivering High Level Performance processes in all areas of sporting and business life," said Ashton. "I am most grateful to the RFU for allowing me time and space to consider my future plans. I have decided not to accept the post offered to me by the RFU of head coach of the National Academy as this was a full-time post which would not have allowed me to develop my own business and pursue other interests."
Ashton was effectively deposed as England's head coach by the appointment of Martin Johnson as team manager in April, a move which led to criticism of the RFU in some quarters. However, the RFU chairman, Martyn Thomas expressed satisfaction that the 61-year-old's influence will not be lost to English rugby.
"The RFU Management Board is very pleased that a new agreement has been reached with Brian and that the RFU will benefit from his skills with elite rugby in his new consultancy role," he said. "The new agreement is good for Brian and good for the RFU. It will enable Brian to focus his time and energy on those areas in which he has special and unique skills. We look forward to a long and continuing relationship with Brian."
The RFU's chief executive, Francis Baron added: "We fully understand and support Brian's desire to develop his own business interests and are delighted that Brian has agreed to offer his services to us under the new consultancy agreement. Brian has served the Union with distinction in a number of positions and we are pleased that his special talents, not least in the area of coaching expertise and the development of young elite athletes, will continue to be available to us through the new agreement with him."
