Ashton remains as England coach

Brian Ashton will keep his England job following a post World Cup review, it was announced by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) today.

The RFU management board approved the recommendation from elite rugby director Rob Andrew for Ashton to continue in the post.

Assistant coaches John Wells and Mike Ford have also been retained following a comprehensive review into the state of the national team.

The RFU released a brief statement but did not confirm the length of contracts awarded to Ashton, Wells and Ford.

Andrew said: "I'm delighted that Brian and his coaching team will remain with England and, like them, I'm looking forward to what will be a challenging international year in 2008."

Despite leading England to the World Cup final in October, Ashton's future as head coach was in serious doubt immediately after the tournament.

Senior players Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt were publicly critical of his leadership during the World Cup.

The RFU would not commit themselves to keeping Ashton in place until after Andrew, the RFU's elite rugby director, had conducted a thorough post-World Cup review.

Andrew consulted England's World Cup players, the management staff and coaches from around the Premiership before delivering his final report to the management board at Twickenham today.

Andrew added: "It's been a thorough review and a process that everyone from the coaches to the players and the management all supported."

Meanwhile England star Olly Barkley has been charged with assault following an alleged brawl at a wedding.

The 26-year-old fly-half, who plays for Bath, is alleged to have attacked a fellow guest at a lavish reception at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire this summer.

He is due to appear before Aylesbury Magistrates' Court on New Year's Eve charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm on July 15th.

Barkley appeared for England during this year's World Cup in France and has earned 21 caps during his career.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Oliver Barkley, aged 26, from Bath, has today been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm following a decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service.

"The charge relates to an allegation of assault at a private event in Stowe, Buckingham, on July 15 2007. He will appear at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court on December 31st 2007 at 10am."

A Bath statement read: "We can confirm that Olly Barkley has been charged with an allegation of actual bodily harm arising from an incident which took place prior to the commencement of the current season and when at a private function on July 15th.

"Olly vigorously contests wrongdoing on his part, as he has done from the outset.

"As demonstrated this season, Olly remains completely focused on his rugby and will not allow this matter to distract him from his immediate rugby commitments."