The RFU chief executive Francis Baron expects England's coach Brian Ashton to be rewarded with a new contract immediately after the World Cup.

Ashton only signed a one-year deal when he replaced Andy Robinson last December but England's spectacular revival in the last fortnight, culminating in Saturday night's hard-fought 14-9 win over France in Paris, looks set to earn him the offer of a substantial contract from director of rugby Rob Andrew next week.

"Brian and Rob Andrew - Rob is Brian's direct boss - will be sitting down immediately after the World Cup," confirmed Baron. "Brian clearly has done a great job and I'm sure Rob and Brian will be thrashing it out after the World Cup's finished."

Ashton's position had appeared untenable after England suffered a humiliating 36-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stages, but four straight wins since then - over Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France - have changed the picture completely.