Dallaglio calls for change
Dallaglio calls for change
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Wednesday, 26, Apr 2006 09:35
Former captain Lawrence Dallaglio has called for major changes within the England set-up after two unacceptable years on the field.
England have finished fourth in two successive Six Nations campaigns and must defend their world champions crown at next year's World Cup.
Now, with the team building towards the tournament in France, Dallaglio has called for major changes to ensure the team is successful.
"If we lost lots and lots of games in a season, we wouldn't be re-signed for our club and I think it's the same process anywhere," Dallaglio told the BBC.
"I'm afraid change is inevitable and what is fact is we finished fourth in the Six Nations two years running and clearly that is unacceptable."
An evaluation of this year's Six Nations campaign will be revealed by the Rugby Football Union tomorrow.
Current coach Andy Robinson has been under pressure for the team's performances and while he is expected to remain in his job, some of the back-room staff are set for the chop.
Dallaglio doesn't put forward any recommendations but he insists that the team must be competing at the top level of world rugby.
"What we all want to see is English rugby back where it should be, which is competing at the very top of world rugby, and I'd like to see English rugby as successful as it possibly can be if I'm in the team or not," Dallaglio added.
"We're in a results-driven business and whilst there is patience and stability and continuity required, clearly the results have not been good enough for the last two or three years."
Current Bath coach Brian Ashton has been linked with a role in the England set-up and has admitted that he would be interested if offered a job.