English rugby set for performance review
15/08/2012
The performance of English rugby is set to be reviewed by former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan.
He will be joined by former UK Sport performance director Peter Keen in examining the English game to find ways in which the national side's on-field fortunes can be enhanced.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has appointed the pair as independent consultants, who will report to chief executive Ian Ritchie.
Ritchie said the RFU is tapping into the brains of "two outstanding individuals", including "one of the greatest rugby brains of modern times allied with one of the most respected performance experts Great Britain has produced."
Fans will be hoping this brings more success in the future while those keen to see how the side is developing ahead of the 2015 World Cup can now book hospitality packages for England's 2013 Six Nations home games against Scotland, France and Italy.
Coach Stuart Lancaster will be able to extend his long-term approach to the team's progress after holding the job on an interim basis during last season's tournament, when his new-look side came second behind Wales.
By Sam Smith