Thursday 12 November 2015 00:06, UK
Ian Ritchie says nationality will not be an issue as the RFU looks to appoint a new England head coach with "proven international experience".
Chief executive Ritchie and chairman Bill Beaumont faced the media at Twickenham on Wednesday hours after Stuart Lancaster paid with his job for England's historic first-round World Cup exit.
And Ritchie revealed neither nationality, finances nor time will stand in the way of the RFU recruiting "the right person" to take England forward.
"The most important thing is to get the right person," said Ritchie, who led a five-man review into the World Cup performance. "It's very important we get a head coach of proven international experience. Speed is important, but the right person is more important.
"Our focus is upon recruiting the best possible head coach. Whilst this is a priority, it's important we take sufficient time to find the right person.
"You need to get the best coach. This is not a matter of financial consideration."
Ritchie, who would not name potential candidates, confirmed Lancaster is leaving the RFU altogether but said assistant coaches Andy Farrell, Graeme Rowntree and Mike Catt will remain at least until a new appointment is made.
"For a new head coach, it's very difficult for the previous head coach to be sitting there within the organisation," he said. "We did have discussions, we did look at this, but despite the skills Stuart has we felt it was right to make a clean break."
A total of 59 people were consulted as part of the panel's World Cup review, according to Ritchie, who said he did not duck his own responsibility for the failure of England to make it to the knockout stage.
But Beaumont made it clear the RFU board has faith in Ritchie to lead the search for Lancaster's successor.
