England's elite rugby director Rob Andrew is due to outline his long-term plans for the game today and identify the man he believes should replace Andy Robinson as head coach through to the World Cup.

Andrew, who has been in the job for three months, meets Club England at Twickenham to explain his short and long-term thinking.

The most immediate decision is how to replace Robinson, who left his post last week after England slumped to their eighth defeat in nine Tests. Andrew essentially has three options. His long-term preference is to appoint a manager, similar to the position carved out by Clive Woodward.

He could recommend making a stop-gap appointment from outside, and former Australia head coach Eddie Jones has already declared an interest.

But the most likely scenario is that Brian Ashton, currently England's attack coach, will take over in a caretaker capacity with the post to be reviewed after the World Cup.

Andrew will then explain his vision for how English rugby needs to be structured going forward.

He will not have been encouraged by Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty admitting yesterday: "There is genuine hope but it is fair to say we are not closely aligned in our thinking about what is needed.

"We have a track record of helping out when we can but it is a two-way street."

Players' union chief David Barnes warned England could miss out on top candidates for the head coach's job unless a solution is found to the ongoing club-versus-country row.

Barnes said: "I think coaches are always going to be wary of it. Two England coaches have now resigned stating the structure of the game was rotten. I think it will put people off."