RFU’s search ‘worldwide’

Rugby Football Union chief executive John Steele has said he will conduct a “worldwide and multi-sport search” for a new performance director.

Following a four-month-long review of the RFU’s structure, Steele announced on Thursday a merger of its elite department with the community rugby arm.

One central rugby department is to be created and will be divided into the areas of performance, operations and development.

The announcement leaves the future of Rob Andrew in doubt as his role as director of elite rugby has been scrapped.

Andrew has been invited to apply for the role of rugby operations director, while Steele insists his search for a performance director – to whom England manager Martin Johnson will report – will not be limited to these shores – or even the sport itself.

“We are not necessarily looking for a proven international rugby coach although, clearly, if there is one with all the right skills, that would be terrific,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“But we want to cast the net widely and hope that others might apply. Ours will be a worldwide and multi-sport search and a completely open process. There is no pre-agreed plan to bring people back into Twickenham.”

British Olympic Association performance director Sir Clive Woodward, England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach, was the most prominent name to be immediately linked with the job.