Ashton outlines three-stage route to 2011

From the Wiltshire Times, first published Sunday 23rd Dec 2007.

BRIAN Ashton is working on a three-stage route to the 2011 Rugby World Cup after being re-appointed as England head coach.

Ashton, who lives in Colerne, told the Gillette Rugby Podcast that, far from having a fresh start, he wants to build on England's "against the odds"

progress to this year's RWC final.

Ashton, reappointed on Wednesday along with assistants John Wells and Mike Ford, said: "There are three distinct phases now - the 2008 RBS 6 Six Nations and New Zealand tour; then the new agreement with the clubs kicks in and there is the summer tour to New Zealand in 2009. I suspect a significant number of English players will be on the British Lions tour so some of the younger players pushing hard now will be involved in Argentina; and that will hopefully be a launching pad for a two-year push towards the World Cup."

During the RWC review Ashton has been preparing for the opening RBS 6 Nations game against Wales at Twickenham on February 2.

"I have been watching games and players and doing quite a bit of preparation work for 2008," added Ashton.

"We have got a tough Six Nations when everyone is always gunning for England and I suspect they will be so even more so this year because, against all the odds, we got to a World Cup final."

You can hear the full interview by listening to the official Gillette Rugby Podcast at www.rfu.com/podcast .

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