Cattermole set to resign in RFU power struggle

Graeme Cattermole is expected to resign as chairman of the Rugby Football Union today after losing his power struggle with chief executive Francis Baron.

The announcement could come ahead of an RFU management board meeting and would signal the end of bitter in-fighting at the organisation. The chairman has waged a long-running battle against the way Baron has controlled the biggest Union in world rugby.

Baron's tenure has seen the RFU turn debts into a £33million surplus. However, Baron was forced to resign as chief executive of England Rugby Ltd recently rather than face a vote of no-confidence from the body which is made up of RFU members and the top Zurich Premiership clubs. Cattermole is a member of ERL.

Cattermole's exit will strengthen Baron's power base but there are still some within the RFU who believe he should also go. There are rumours Baron is unwilling to accept changes to the current rules that involve automatic relegation for the bottom club in the Premiership. Others wants a play-off system revived.

Meanwhile, Andy Robinson has shown New Zealand referee Paul Honiss TV footage highlighting his concerns ahead of tomorrow's clash with Australia at Twickenham.

The England head coach brought a hand-held DVD player to their pre-match meeting on Tuesday. Honiss said: "They ran through various things they felt needed to be highlighted, including a move against Scotland where they felt there was illegal crossing."

England have called up Newcastle centre Jamie Noon as cover for vice-captain Mike Tindall, who has a stomach bug.