England could turn to an overseas head coach for the first time after the Rugby Football Union chief executive, Ian Ritchie, insisted Stuart Lancaster’s successor must have international experience and that no expense would be spared when making the appointment.
Lancaster stepped down on Wednesday as a result of his side’s dismal World Cup performance, a decision made after lengthy talks with Ritchie this week. Lancaster will not stay on at the RFU in any capacity, despite discussions that he could remain in a separate role, with the organisation cutting all ties and instead preferring a “clean break” as they look to the future.
Ritchie met Lancaster on Monday afternoon and discussed his position for several hours before finalising the decision on Tuesday. His departure had the unanimous backing of the RFU board and brings to an end a three-and-a-half-year permanent spell in charge. However, Lancaster’s coaches, including Andy Farrell, are set to stay until a new head coach is appointed.
Ritchie denied that any potential successor had been approached as yet, but indicated that international experience is key. He said: “The most important thing is to get the right person. It’s very important we get a head coach of proven international experience. Speed is important, but the right person is more important.
“Our focus is upon recruiting the best possible head coach. Whilst this is a priority, it’s important we take sufficient time to find the right person. This is not a matter of financial consideration. I don’t think we should be inhibited and should attract the best possible coach and get the best person for the job. We will see what happens in terms of timing for the Six Nations.
“This is still by any measure one of the biggest jobs in world rugby coaching. I think the resources and support that we put behind the head coach is significant. I think there are a group of talented players that the head coach will have to work with, and I think therefore that it is an attractive job.”
On the decision not to retain Lancaster in another role, Ritchie added: “It’s always very difficult for a new head coach to come in and the previous head coach to be sitting within the organisation. We did have discussions but, despite the many talents that Stuart has, it’s right to make a clean break.”
Given Ritchie’s emphasis on extensive international experience, it would appear unlikely that an English coach will take the reins. Sir Clive Woodward is the only Englishman who has such experience, yet there are numerous foreign candidates who fill that criterion. Aside from Michael Cheika, the Australia coach whom Ritchie denied had already been sounded out by the RFU president, Jason Leonard, other names include the former South Africa coach Jake White, the former Australia and Japan coach Eddie Jones, and the Wales coach Warren Gatland.
White, who said he is yet to be approached, told Sky Sports News HQ: “If they’re genuine about picking a foreign coach and they consider me the right man for the job, It would be naive of me to say I’m not interested. I don’t want to just be in the middle of a shortlist but if they genuinely think it’s me, I’d put my hand up.”
Ritchie’s five-man panel tasked with evaluating England’s woeful World Cup – when the team exited at the group stage of the tournament after defeats to Wales and Australia – spoke with 29 individuals, including the 12 directors of rugby at Premiership clubs, and a number of players in the England squad. Ritchie said he had personally spoken with another 30 people and that the panel’s work had been “rigorous and objective”.
The chief executive’s own position has come under question, given that Ritchie awarded Lancaster a six-year contract last year and previously stated that he would take full responsibility for England’s World Cup display. However, the RFU chairman, Bill Beaumont, insisted Ritchie still had the backing of the governing body’s board.
Ritchie said: “I don’t duck the accountability and responsibility. If you are the chief executive of the organisation, you need to deal with that. I’m the chief executive of the organisation, I run the organisation and therefore I feel personally about what’s happened and what’s gone on. I think it’s equally important though that I continue to deliver for the organisation and to move it forward.”
Ritchie and Beaumont thanked Lancaster for his “tireless” work in charge, and the departing coach said that England had the potential to win the 2019 World Cup. Lancaster said: “I am obviously extremely saddened to finish the way we did in this World Cup and to step down from the role. As I have always said, I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team’s performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament.
“I took on the role in difficult circumstances and it has been a huge challenge to transition the team with many hurdles along the way. However, I am immensely proud of the development of this team and I know that there is an incredibly strong foundation for them to progress to great things in the future.”
Sam Burgess’s return to rugby league last week was regarded by some as the final nail in Lancaster’s coffin, with the former Bath player’s fast-tracking into the side a contentious issue. Ritchie said: “I don’t find the Sam Burgess situation embarrassing. There was no insistence that he had to be picked.”
Stuart Lancaster’s record
Overall record
Games 46
Wins 28
Losses 17
Draws 1
Win ratio 60.9%
Six Nations record
Games 20
Wins 16
Losses 4
Draws 0
Win ratio 80%
Titles 0
World Cup record
Games 4
Wins 2
Losses 2
Draws 0
Win ratio 50%
