Ashton safe for now - Andrew

England head coach Brian Ashton will not be sacked after the conclusion of a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign, according to the RFU's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew.

Andrew told The Times there will be no "kneejerk reaction" to the current Six Nations campaign and a change in leadership before the two internationals against New Zealand in June is "not something I would consider at this point".

Ahead of England's final match in this season's competition tomorrow against Ireland at Twickenham, Andrew said there was hope for the future.

"We have the least experienced side in the Six Nations," he added.

"There was huge expectation because we reached the World Cup final four months ago, then a lot of experience left the side after that but there is plenty of confidence about where the English game is going.

"We're working hard to produce better young players to play for England in the future. The building process for 2011 [when the next World Cup is played] is under way."

Ashton's position has come under increasing scrutiny after last year's World Cup runners-up struggled to make an impact in the Six Nations.

And last weekend's woeful defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield left many observers questioning how much longer the head coach could continue.