Time to wrap this up – in truth, we didn’t learn a great deal, with the fact Lancaster will leave the RFU altogether significant but not surprising.

Perhaps the most intriguing piece of information was that Lancaster’s assistants will remain, but could be moved on by the incoming head coach – a man that Ritchie was at pains to stress would be “the right man for the job”. Their retention does suggest that this mysterious new man may not arrive anytime soon, with the net set to be cast far and wide.

Suggestions of a widespread desire for Lancaster to go were knocked swiftly back, and both Ritchie and Beaumont were at pains to praise Lancaster’s hard work and ethos since taking the job in 2011. I doubt that will make him feel much better tonight, though. Thanks for reading. Bye!

Lancaster’s assistants will stay on for the time being, Ritchie confirms – but their positions will be subject to the arrival of a new head coach. That rather goes against his explanation of why Lancaster had to leave the RFU entirely. Beaumont doesn’t offer much else, but opens the door to a return “some time in the future”. To be honest, that seems unlikely. And that’s about it.

What was it that convinced Lancaster that it was time to go? Not one single thing, says Ritchie. “You look at the comprehensive nature of where we were... there wasn’t one single issue... I fed back to Stuart what was said, and there were plenty of positive things.” Is there still a role for Lancaster at the RFU, given that he has plenty of time left on his contract? No is the short answer, with Ritchie not wanting the new head coach to come in with Lancaster still within the organisation.

Ritchie bristles slightly at the next question – did any of the 59 people questioned want Lancaster to stay? Ritchie says he would rather keep private conversations private. Will the next coach be an Englishman, Ritchie is asked. He neither confirms nor denies, repeating that it will be “the best coach for the job”.

Were the players unanimous in wanting Lancaster to go? Ritchie says no – there were “a wide range of views,” but he believes “we have come to the right conclusion”. Michael Cheika is the first possible replacement named by the floor, but Ritchie sticks with the line that they will thoroughly pursue all the options, to find the right man for the job.

Ritchie is asked if he takes any responsibility for the World Cup disaster. He confirms that he does, but wants to continue taking the RFU forward. “It’s important to move on and ensure that we can deliver”. Beaumont endorses Ritchie to continue leading the RFU forward. “I don’t duck the responsibility, but I’ve been asked to continue and take England forward, and will do so to the best of my ability”.

Time for questions from the floor. Ritchie is asked how exactly the RFU came to this decision. Ritchie again references “hundreds” of pieces of information that were considered, and reiterates that it was a mutual decision. Next, Ritchie is asked how soon they want a replacement to arrive – before the Six Nations, presumably? Ritchie says that “speed is important, but finding the right person is more important”.

Now Bill Beaumont is speaking, thanking Lancaster for his “hard work and dedication... he has helped to restore pride in the England jersey”. “The health of the game in this country is in a good state”, adds the RFU chairman. He praises England’s youth set-up, and concludes that “we delivered the biggest and best World Cup” – perhaps that’s missing the point slightly...

Ritchie has positive words for Lancaster, praising the “strong culture” he introduced, adding “I am so sorry that his considerable efforts did not come to fruition”. Discussing a new appointment, Ritchie says they want a coach with “international experience”, but that there will be a lengthy recruitment process to come. Ritchie adds that there is no “financial consideration”, suggesting money is not a factor when it comes to getting the right candidate.

Ritchie on the review: “We saw 29 people, and I spoke to an additional 30... we spoke extensively to Stuart during his period. We’re grateful for the feedback and co-operation of the players. All players were invited to take part in the review. We’ve had feedback from all twelve directors of rugby... the panel was rigorous and objective. After the review, Stuart and I agreed that it was time for a change of coach. This was unanimously endorsed by the RFU board.”

Ian Ritchie: “I think we all know elite sport is about fine margins, and we saw that in this World Cup, but it’s also about winning in a highly competitive environment. No-one is more disappointed than us, and I know that applies to our fans and players as well.”

More red-hot reaction from Guardian Sport; here’s Michael Aylwin on six men in the frame to replace Stuart Lancaster.

Sky are currently replaying an interview with Leeds United boss Steve Evans, who now acts as a handy time-filling device, so eager is he to talk at length and without prompting. When he’s stopped, we can probably assume the presser is about to start.

Around ten minutes until Ritchie and Beaumont face the music at Twickenham, which looks suitably grey and gloomy with the World Cup bunting taken down.

More resignation news: England World Cup winner Josh Lewsey has quit his role as Wales’ head of rugby. Coincidence? Probably. But who knows.

Vote! Vote! Vote!

With Stuart Lancaster gone, who should England turn to as their next head coach? Vote in our poll. Do it now!

Stuart Lancaster was in the job for a month shy of four years; we’ve put together a handy timeline of his time as England head coach.

Former England international Will Greenwood has wasted little time in touting the idea of a foreign coach with big game experience:

Greenwood has suggested Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Joe Schmidt. Three of the four were 2015 World Cup quarter-finalists, but there’s no mention for another coach who succeeded where Lancaster failed – Australia’s Michael Cheika, who has been linked tentatively with the job.

Niall will be here shortly.