Robinson stays as England coach, three removed

England coach Andy Robinson has retained his job following a review of the world champions' poor Six Nations performance this year but three of his assistant coaches have been removed.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said yesterday that Joe Lydon, Phil Larder and Dave Alred would be departing. No replacements have been selected.

A new director of elite rugby for England will be appointed following the RFU's detailed review of the game.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "There is no doubt that the performances of the England team since the 2003 Rugby World Cup have been unacceptable and that changes have to be made if we are to turn things round.

"We believe that these changes will give England, with Andy at the helm, the best chance of defending the World Cup in 18 months."

England finished fourth in the 2006 Six Nations behind winners France after losing three of their five matches.

Baron said that Robinson came out of the review with his reputation intact and it was clear that he had strong support from the players.

Lydon, a former rugby league international, will move into the RFU's academy but Larder, defensive coach since 1997, and kicking coach Alred will both leave the RFU.

Baron said the posts would be advertised and he hoped the new assistant coaches would be in place before the June tour to Australia, but the elite director of rugby role is expected to take several months to fill.

Baron said the RFU hoped the new man would be either English or British but added: "If there is somebody who is superior from any part of the world the board has agreed to accept that. We will scour the world for the best man for the job."

Baron said that neither the former England coach Clive Woodward nor anybody else had been approached. He dismissed speculation that he could not work again with Woodward, who guided England to World Cup victory in 2003 and is now working with Southampton soccer club.

Baron also announced widespread changes, one of which will see the end of England's association with their plush Pennyhill Park training base in Surrey.