Ashton is new England rugby coach

LONDON – Brian Ashton was appointed England’s head rugby coach yesterday, taking over from Andy Robinson.

The 60-year-old Ashton will take over his coaching duties with immediate effect, the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) said in a statement. His first game in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday February 3.”It’s a massive privilege and honour to be asked to do the job,” Ashton said.”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.”Ashton was appointed England’s attack coach in May and he will continue to work with forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford the RFU statement said.He would then have nine further games before England launch their World Cup defence against the United States in Lens on September 8, with France (three times), Wales (twice), South Africa (twice), Ireland and Italy all on the agenda.Nampa-AFPHis first game in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday February 3.”It’s a massive privilege and honour to be asked to do the job,” Ashton said.”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.”Ashton was appointed England’s attack coach in May and he will continue to work with forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford the RFU statement said.He would then have nine further games before England launch their World Cup defence against the United States in Lens on September 8, with France (three times), Wales (twice), South Africa (twice), Ireland and Italy all on the agenda.Nampa-AFP