Ashton set for World Cup reward

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Although no announcement on Ashton's future is expected before the end of November, he has put himself in pole position for a possible four-year deal that could exceed £1million.

Ashton, who's existing rolling contract with the Rugby Football Union is up for review in December, said: "England rugby has got a pretty exciting future. I enjoy doing the job - I thoroughly enjoy it."

He added: "I told the players they had nothing to regret because they had given everything over the past four months. They are a special group of people, not just rugby players.

"Given where we had come from, for that group of players to run out in a World Cup final was a staggering achievement, in my opinion."

England's performance in defying overwhelming odds to reach the final has left 61-year-old Ashton in a position of considerable strength.

There will be no rushed declarations though, judging by England's final World Cup press conference in Paris that saw Ashton joined by Rugby Football Union elite rugby director Rob Andrew and captain Phil Vickery.

Andrew said: "We should reflect on what the guys have achieved and have enormous pride in that. It was an absolutely outstanding effort in more ways than one.

"They all deserve the highest praise. The pride in this group of players is as great as any we've had in any group of England players.

"We will review the World Cup correctly and properly in due course over the next few weeks, and we will look to go forward. We need to reflect on what has happened. We have a review process that will take place hopefully during November, and we will make decisions thereafter, but I am not going to be held to any deadlines."