Ashton in line for England promotion

Rugby News round-up:Brian Ashton looks set to be unveiled as England's new head coach at Twickenham tomorrow afternoon.

Ashton's probable appointment should be confirmed for the 2007 Six Nations Championship and World Cup campaigns.

English RFU management board members will be presented with a recommendation for Andy Robinson's successor by the RFU's elite rugby director, Rob Andrew.

And assuming there are no last-minute hitches, the 60-year-old Lancastrian Ashton is favourite to land the role, starting with England's opening Six Nations game against Scotland at Twickenham on February 3rd.

Ashton would then have nine further games before England launch their World Cup defence against the USA in Lens on September 8th, with France (three times), Wales (twice), South Africa (twice), Ireland and Italy all on the agenda.

Ashton's anticipated promotion from his current job as England head attack coach should ensure a relatively seamless transition as England desperately seek stability and continuity following three miserable years.

They have won just 12 from 30 Tests since Martin Johnson held aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.

Clive Woodward presided over three of those victories, then Robinson's failed 22-game reign produced only nine wins as England plummeted down the International Rugby Board official world rankings.

Ashton's only previous experience as an international head coach hardly set pulses racing.

He spent a forgettable period in charge of Ireland in 1997 and 1998, having initially replaced Murray Kidd before another New Zealander - Warren Gatland - stepped in after Ashton resigned.

Ireland's results during that spell included a record 46-6 home defeat against England and several other heavy losses, and Ashton went on to join the Red Rose coaching staff under Woodward in 1998 for four years, then land an appointment as RFU national academy manager before linking up with England again seven months ago following a short second period in charge at Bath.

Ashton's coaching team for 2007 will include current colleagues John Wells (forwards) and Mike Ford (defence), while it is understood an addition to the trio could come in scrummaging specialist Phil Keith-Roach, who was part of the England 2003 World Cup support staff.

The other issue is whether or not Andrew intends recommending a managerial figure who would effectively be the England squad's public face throughout 2007.

Harlequins rugby director Dean Richards and former Springboks supremo Nick Mallett have both been touted as candidates for a major England role post-Robinson, yet there is little likelihood of any movement there, certainly in the short term.

Speaking last week about Robinson's successor, Andrew said: "The appointment is a big decision in that we want to get the management of the England team right for the foreseeable future.

"It is not a straightforward exercise in that you can't pluck someone out of the air. These things take time.

"I don't want to be held to a timescale, but getting someone there ahead of the Six Nations is what I am working on."

The search, at least for 2007, seems to have ended with Ashton.

The English RFU management board chairman, Martyn Thomas, told BBC Sport: "There are just one or two pieces to sort out, but all being well there will be a new coach announced on Wednesday."