The ‘Blackpool Tower,’ who won 55 caps, will be joined from January by another former international, Mike Rafter, and ex-England Students manager Tony Lanaway.

The trio will watch matches, including the Guinness Premiership and the new Championship (currently National Division One), for foul play as part of the RFU's respected disciplinary process.

At 6ft 8ins Dooley was a towering presence on the field for England and Preston Grasshoppers, and also as a police officer in Blackpool.

"I suppose it's an extension of what I have been doing for the past 30 years - in effect it's policing rugby," said Dooley, who retired from police work last year.

"As a player I never minded the rough and tumble of the game but it needs to be a clean contest.

"Now with all the camera angles, players are going to be spotted if they commit any foul play; there is no hiding place."