Former England coach Ashton rejects national academy post

Despite guiding the national side to the final against South Africa in Paris last October and following that up with a runners-up place in this year's RBS Six Nations, Ashton was the victim of a messy coup that saw Martin Johnson installed as the all-powerful team manager.

Brian Ashton rejects a return to Rugby's managerial fold

Having been condemned for the way they handled the 61-year-old's dismissal, the RFU were confident he would accept the consolation of a return to his old job supervising the development of English rugby's next generation.

But Ashton has turned down that job, preferring to agree a 'high-level performance consultancy' role with the union on behalf of his company, SCD South West Limited.

The agreement is on the basis of a rolling annual contract and will involve interaction with the man responsible for his downfall, director of elite rugby Rob Andrew.

'I have given full and careful consideration over the last two months to my future career plans and I've decided to develop my own company delivering high-level performance processes in all areas of sporting and business life,' said Ashton in an RFU statement.

'I consider it the correct time to develop more varied challenges than just dealing with professional rugby.

'I've decided not to accept the post of head coach of the national academy as this was a full-time post which would not have allowed me to develop my own business and pursue other interests.'

Francis Baron, the RFU chief executive, said: 'We understand Brian's desire to develop his own business interests. Brian has served the union with distinction and we are pleased his special talents will still be available to us.'