Andy Farrell, Mike Catt and Graham Rowntree leave England

By Stephen Turner

Image: Stuart Lancaster (second right) pictured with his three former assistants

England coaches Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt are leaving their posts, the Rugby Football Union has confirmed.

Stuart Lancaster's assistants initially remained on the RFU payroll following the head coach's departure last month in the wake of a poor World Cup.

But Lancaster's replacement Eddie Jones has lined up Bristol forwards coach Steve Borthwick and Saracens defence coach Paul Gustard as new recruits.

And a statement from the RFU confirmed Farrell, Rowntree and Catt are no longer part of the England set-up.

Jones said: "Having met with all of the coaches to talk through the future direction, we felt it was the right time to make changes.

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"They are all experienced guys and have contributed greatly to this England team over recent years and I know everyone at the Union is appreciative of their hard work and commitment.

"On behalf of the players that have benefited from their coaching and RFU, I wish them the very best for the future."

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Image: Saracens defence coach Paul Gustard is being lined up for a role with England

Sky Sports pundit and England World Cup winner Will Greenwood backed the three departing coaches to come again, saying: "It would be a dereliction of duty if they were just given P45s and a 'thanks, your time has gone'.

"When we talk about legacy and the next batch of coaches being developed, at their age why can't they learn from their mistakes and come back and be English coaches in the future.

"To find a way to keep them in the system in the future must be the No 1 priority for English rugby."

England were eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup, the earliest exit suffered by a host nation, after defeats to Wales and Australia.

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