Andrew denies Ashton plot

England's elite rugby director Rob Andrew insists deposed head coach Brian Ashton was not knifed in the back by the Rugby Football Union.

Ashton has been replaced at the top of England's senior coaching structure by 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson, the new team manager.

But Andrew insists no-one was plotting behind Ashton's back and the 61-year-old was kept fully informed throughout. Andrew said: "It has been a difficult situation but we are working very closely with Brian. I spoke to him on Friday morning and he is very keen to continue working with the RFU."

The RFU offered Ashton an alternative position as head of the national academy - a structure he helped set up in 2002 - which he is now considering.

The RFU were widely accused of duplicity in courting Johnson, having only re-appointed Ashton as head coach in December after he dug England out of a hole and helped them reach the 2007 World Cup final.

At the time, Andrew described it as the start of a "long-term project" and promised Ashton the team manager of his choice - someone who would help with the administrative burden but not interfere with rugby affairs.

The ground shifted dramatically after some inconsistent performances in the Six Nations and those close to Ashton maintain senior RFU officials demanded Andrew bring Johnson on board.

Andrew continued: "Brian made it very clear that the role of the team manager in his eyes was a number two, reporting to him as head coach.

"I spoke to six people about the role of team manager after Six Nations. I first met Martin on March 20 and it was at the second meeting where the serious discussions started around the role of team manager.

"That is when it began to differ from the view of team manager that Brian had and where the difficulties arose. I am confident I kept Brian informed through the process. I was talking to Brian that the role of team manager may not be the one that he envisaged."