Thursday 12 November 2015 23:10, UK
England's new rugby coach should be given a clean slate from which to start his tenure, according to Worcester director of rugby Dean Ryan.
A disappointing showing at the World Cup, during which England became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stage, has left the Rugby Football Union searching for a new head coach following Stuart Lancaster's resignation.
The futures of those integral to Lancaster's reign, most notably captain Chris Robshaw and coaches Mike Catt, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree, have been plunged into doubt in recent weeks, with many calling for them to follow Lancaster in vacating their positions.
However, while accepting the man tasked with rebuilding English rugby deserves to bring his own coaching set-up, Ryan was quick to highlight the dangers of mass culling by the RFU, insisting the coaches could still play a part in the England set-up.
"There is no doubt that whoever comes in should be given a blank sheet of paper in terms of what management team he wants," he told England Rugby Special: The Future.
"We seem to have a habit of throwing all the talent we've got over the side and moving on to the next. We cannot afford to just discard.
"There is no doubt people such as Andy Farrell have a lot to offer the game.
"Let's start with a blank sheet of paper. Let's look at who the new man wants and let's look at who the right people are, who are qualified and experienced and strong enough to do the role."
Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes, however, was not so forthcoming, adding: "Rowntree, Catt and Farrell are so closely linked to this fiasco that it will be a surprise if they stay on."
Former New Zealand second row Ali Williams believes a new regime sees all players start off on an equal footing, with those preferred under Lancaster having to prove themselves to the new head coach.
Synonymous with the Lancaster era, captain Robshaw's close-knitted relationship will see his captaincy, if it has not already, come under threat, according to 2011 World Cup winner.
"Robshaw is definitely linked with Lancaster," he said. "Unfortunately, now he will have to step back and he's now a player, he's no long a captain.
"If the new coach comes in, he has got to be given the freedom to pick a captain and Robshaw wouldn't want it any other way, you want to be picked on merit."
