Andrew going nowhere

Rob Andrew has insisted he will continue his role as elite rugby director despite a nightmare tour to New Zealand.

England were battered 44-12 in the second Test in Christchurch on Saturday - their second-worst ever defeat to the All Blacks - to lose the series 2-0, while allegations of serious sexual assault by four members of the squad has overshadowed events on the pitch.

The players insist they have done nothing wrong and declined to be interviewed as no formal complaint has been made, while police have confirmed that the whole squad can leave as planned on Sunday.

Andrew, who is standing in for Martin Johnson as team manager for this tour, has insisted he will not step down from his 'day' job as England's elite rugby director and said: "I am not going to consider my position. I am going to carry on doing the work that I am doing at the union. I am going to carry on with my position as the elite rugby director of the RFU."

Speaking on whether he was at fault for England's shortcomings on the pitch in recent months, Andrew continued: "If you are going to go down the blame game, then absolutely not.

"We have had to deal with some very difficult situations over the last 12 months.

"The World Cup squad, as we all know, was built on experience. Since then, we have had retirements, injuries and a next generation coming through.

"We have to reflect on what we have learned on this tour."