RFU praise England effort

The Rugby Football Union expressed their pride in England's World Cup performance in their regular monthly meeting.

The RFU are conducting a review of the team's performance in France, which culminated in an unexpected march to the final, where they were beaten by South Africa.

The RFU released a statement, which read: "The RFU management board, at their regular monthly meeting congratulated England head coach, Brian Ashton, the England Rugby World Cup squad and the coaching and management team for an excellent RWC campaign and defence of the Webb Ellis Cup won in 2003."

The statement continued: "The RFU and the whole game in England are rightfully proud of their fine, collective performance.

"The review of England's RWC performance is well under way and all 32 RWC squad players and members of the coaching and management team will have an input.

"Rob Andrew, the RFU elite rugby director, will update the management board on the review at their regular monthly meeting on November 26."

Elite rugby director Andrew is leading the review and is expected to have a big say in whether the existing coaching structure, headed by Brian Ashton will remain in place next year.