The RFU have been searching for a new coaching team to support Robinson for the last month after axing Joe Lydon, Phil Larder and Dave Alred following a disappointing RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign.

Ford, who has worked as a defence specialist for Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, joins England from Premiership club Saracens and is a direct replacement for Larder.

Wells has promoted from the RFU's National Academy and has been brought on board as a specialist forwards coach, a position created at Robinson's request.

England leave for Australia on Monday, where they face back-to-back Tests against the Wallabies.

Jon Callard replaces Wells as head coach of the England Saxons for the Churchill Cup defence. He will be assisted by fellow National Academy coach Simon Hardy.

Wells and Ford have been appointed on one-year rolling contracts, as is standard practice.
Robinson played a central role in selecting the successful candidates, who also had an input into squad selection for the summer tour.

Robinson said: ''I am delighted that John and Mike will be joining me in a new coaching team which will take England forward.

''Both are experienced coaches who will bring a lot to their respective roles and I am looking forward to working with them.

''This is an exciting time for England leading up to the Rugby World Cup and I am confident that the coaching set-up we are assembling is one capable of helping us successfully defend our title.''

Wells joined the RFU last June after 23 years as a player and coach at Leicester Tigers.

He said: This is a great opportunity for me and one I am relishing. I have enjoyed working in the National Academy and with the A-team, both last season and this, and I see this is a natural progression both for England and myself as a coach.

Ford, who was linked with a move to the Wales coaching team, said: Working with England is something I couldnt turn down and I cant wait to get down to training with the players this week and in Australia.