RFU: No hasty reaction after Rugby World Cup exit
The Rugby Football Union has ruled out any "hasty reaction" after England were knocked out of the World Cup by a 33-13 defeat to Australia at Twickenham.
England's bid for glory lasted only 16 days as they became the first host nation to fail to reach the knockout stage of the Rugby World Cup.
The future for head coach Stuart Lancaster and his assistants Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt is now doubt.
But chief executive Ian Ritchie said on englandrugby.com: "I would like to stress there will be no hasty reaction to England's performance in this World Cup."
Ritchie added: "Both as RFU chief executive and as a lifetime supporter of the England team I speak for so many by saying how disappointed we are at the losses to Wales and Australia, where hopes were so high that we could achieve something special.
"Lessons will be learnt from the results and they will be found in a calm, clear, rational and thorough manner in the fullness of time post tournament."
In a media conference this morning, Stuart Lancaster praised Australia for their outstanding performance and said that the ultimate responsibility for England's failings was his.
"The accountability and responsibility lies with me," Lancaster said.
Speaking last night, Lancaster said: "I’m gutted. Gutted for all the fans and everybody at home and I don’t know what to say really because everybody’s put so much effort in and the support’s been fantastic but I’m sorry we’re not going any further.”
Lancaster also urged England fans to stay behind the team:
“There’s some fantastic young players in that England team. There’s 24 players playing in their first World Cup and it’s going to hurt so badly but they’ll be a good team and I want the country to stay behind the lads because they’re good lads.”