It read: “The RFU management board, at its scheduled monthly meeting today, received and discussed an interim report from elite rugby director Rob Andrew and John Spencer, chairman of Club England, on England’s performance in this year’s RBS 6 Nations at senior, Saxons and under-20 levels.

“The management board congratulated the senior England team in finishing second in the RBS 6 Nations, a significant improvement on previous years.

“The board also congratulated the England Saxons on their unbeaten results, and the England Under-20 team on achieving the Grand Slam.

“Special mention was also made of the England women’s team on their outstanding achievement in winning a third Grand Slam in a row.

“The management board accepted Rob Andrew’s interim report, and was unanimous in authorising him to continue the discussions currently under way to strengthen the England team structure through the recruitment of a team manager and an additional specialist coach.

“Recommendations on these appointments will be made to a Club England meeting in early April, who will then make final recommendations to the RFU management board, which will convene, as necessary, an additional meeting ahead of its scheduled meeting on April 30 to consider these recommendations.”

Andrew’s latest report came only three months after he completed his detailed assessment of the 2007 World Cup performances and recommended England coach Brian Ashton, plus his coaching lieutenants John Wells and Mike Ford, continue in their posts.

While Ashton now awaits further developments, he must also continue his planning for England’s tour of New Zealand in June, when Tests are scheduled against the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch.