The RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie spoke to the media on Wednesday (11 November) following the departure of England head coach Stuart Lancaster by mutual consent.

SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive:

"After the conclusion of the (review) panel, I spent several hours with Stuart (Lancaster, now the former England head coach) and we together concluded that it was time for a change of head coach. This action was unanimously endorsed by the RFU (Rugby Football Union) board."

SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive:

"We now need to look to the future, and our focus has to be upon recruiting the best possible head coach. We're looking for a head coach of international experience, and whilst this is a priority, it is important that we take sufficient time to find the right person."

SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive:

"No, I don't duck the accountability and responsibility - if you're the Chief Executive of the organisation, you need to deal with that. But I think it's a matter for the Chairman (Bill Beaumont) and the board, as well, as to whether or not my situation is as it is, and I believe that it's very important to move on and to make sure that we continue to do the best for the RFU and for rugby in England. I've been asked to do that and that's what I'll do, and I'll continue to do that to the best of my ability."

SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive:

(Question - Does a manager with international experience mean a foreign coach?)

"It does. As I said earlier, I think we'll be looking for a coach without inhibition. The most important thing is to get the right head coach.

(Question - Does that rule out an English coach?)

"No, I think it doesn't rule out a foreign coach, doesn't rule out an English coach. The nationality is not important - getting the right coach, if I may, is important."