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Subscribe to RSS FeedAshton`s future unclear
Will Ashton become just another face in the crowd?
Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director Rob Andrew has lavished praise on England's World Cup heroes - but there will be no immediate announcement on Brian Ashton's future as head coach.
Ashton, who took over as England boss ahead of this year's Six Nations championship, has a rolling RFU contract that is up for review in December.
England's performance in defying overwhelming odds to reach their second successive World Cup final has left 61-year-old Ashton in a position of considerable strength.
Smart money remains on him possibly being awarded a four-year deal to incorporate the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, although Andrew had no intention of making rushed declarations just 24 hours after England's 15-6 defeat against South Africa.
"We should reflect on what the guys have achieved and have enormous pride in that. It was an absolutely outstanding effort in more ways than one," said Andrew.
"The training and the build up they had to go through has been very demanding.
"They all deserve the highest praise. The pride in this group of players is as great as any we've had in any group of England players.
"We will review the World Cup correctly and properly in due course over the next few weeks, and we will look to go forward. We need to reflect on what has happened.
"We have a review process that will take place hopefully during November, and we will make decisions thereafter, but I am not going to be held to any deadlines.
"Brian and I have been talking all through the tournament. Brian has made very clear his position to me, and we will sort it out over the next few weeks.
"Everyone needs to go home and relax for a little while.
"We are doing it properly. Brian is very comfortable with what is going on."
Ashton oversaw three victories during the Six Nations and, after a difficult summer tour of South Africa when England sent a seriously weakened squad, the World Cup ultimately proved an astonishing success.
Compared to where England were under Ashton's predecessor Andy Robinson this time last year, successive World Cup victories over Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France have transformed their fortunes and restored fans' belief in the squad.
"Everyone understands the difficulties since Brian took over. There were eight defeats in nine games (last year) - it was a hospital pass," added Andrew.
"England were in complete disarray, and all of the guys - the players, Brian as head coach - worked incredibly hard through the Six Nations, a South African tour that was rather strange, and then into an extremely tough World Cup campaign."
With the RFU and England's top clubs now on a peace footing after years of conflict, Ashton has every reason to feel confident about the future.
And his knowledge of England's new young playing generation - many of whom he worked with during his time running the RFU national academy - should be another major factor in any long-term job arrangement.
"My view is very similar to Rob's. It is probably time to reflect," said Ashton.
"When you are right in the middle of it all, it swirls on around you.
"England rugby has got a pretty exciting future. I enjoy doing the job, I thoroughly enjoy it.
"I told the players they had nothing to regret because they had given everything over the past four months. They are a special group of people, not just rugby players.
"Given where we had come from, for that group of players to run out in a World Cup final was a staggering achievement, in my opinion."
And as England began preparations for their flight back to Heathrow on Monday lunchtime, Ashton signed off with his sense of humour still at the forefront.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown was among the official party at Saturday night's medal ceremony.
"The Prime Minister said how proud the nation was, and I said I was sorry we couldn't get the ultimate prize," said Ashton.
"Then I asked for a tax rebate, but I had forgotten he had changed his job!"
