RFU chief blasts Ashton's detractors

The Rugby Football Union are to slap gagging orders on England players in the wake of the 'disgraceful' post-World Cup attacks on Brian Ashton.

Head coach Ashton has come under fire from senior players such as Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt for his management style during England's defence of the Webb Ellis Cup.

RFU chairman Martyn Thomas said: 'I think it is absolutely disgraceful. This has tarnished a great achievement.'

Despite England's remarkable resurgence at the tournament that saw them reach the final, it has been the players rather than Ashton who have attempted to take credit for the turnaround.

When England won the World Cup in 2003, head coach Clive Woodward had player columns and interviews closely monitored.

He went even further when he took charge of the Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005, preventing players and staff giving interviews or publishing any tour diaries or autobiographies until six months after the trip.

Thomas is determined to enforce similar rules, saying: 'Any clause we introduce will apply to major tours and major tournaments, but within the confines of the law.

'We can't become censors. We have freedom of speech. I have already put a call in to the RFU legal officer, Karena Vleck, and we will discuss it, and I will raise it at the management board meeting.

'I am sure that (director of elite rugby) Rob Andrew and chief executive Francis Baron will raise it as well.'

Dallaglio and Catt, who slated Ashton in their autobiographies, could yet be disciplined under RFU regulations if it is proved the books contained statements prejudicial to the interests of the Union or the game.

Ashton's position is under review and could come under renewed threat after World Cup-winning coach Jake White - who has expressed an interest in the England job - was confirmed as having left his post with South Africa last night.

One man who is supporting the beleaguered head coach is captain Phil Vickery.

'From my perspective Brian Ashton and the coaches worked their arses off to get things right. So did the players,' Vickery told The Times.

'We did have issues and some of Lawrence's points are very valid, but at the same time we have to remember there is a book to sell.

'Brian is always going to have his critics but a line has to be drawn. Sometimes people step over it. I feel very, very sorry for Brian with some of the things that have been said.

'Some have been very personal and very hurtful. We are all human beings after all. Brian has always had the best interests of the country at heart.

'I think the whole situation is very, very sad. It is very sad for the game, too. I just think this has taken away from what is important and that is what we achieved in France.'