The 60-year-old Lancastrian's first game in charge will be the RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday February 3 at 4pm.

Ashton, who was appointed attack coach last May, replaces Andy Robinson OBE and will continue to work with forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford.

Ashton said 'It's a massive privilege and honour to be asked to do the job. I recognise the challenges ahead of us and along with the other Coaches team my focus now is to prepare the England team to play Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations on February 3rd.'

Elite rugby director Rob Andrew, who recommended Ashton, said: "Brian is the most experienced coach in England, he has enormous respect with the players and he has massive international and club experience.

"This coaching team have only been together since May and I believe Brian is the right man to lead the coaches and players into a new period for English rugby starting with the RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland