Ford loses coach role

THERE is no place in the new England set up for ex-Oldham RL player-coach Mike Ford.

The 46-year-old joined the backroom team as defence coach in 2006 and helped to guide the national team to the World Cup final 12 months later.

Graham Rowntree is the only member of England’s senior 2011 World Cup backroom staff to be retained while Andy Farrell, the former dual international, has been seconded from Saracens.

Farrell has joined forces with Rowntree and interim head coach Stuart Lancaster to form a temporary management team to take England through the Six Nations.

New assistant coach Farrell confirmed his son, the Saracens fly–half Owen Farrell, is in contention for a call–up.

The Rugby Football Union currently have a five–man panel, led by Rob Andrew, hunting for the permanent successor to Martin Johnson, who stood down after England’s quarter–final exit in New Zealand.

Owen Farrell (20) guided Saracens to the Aviva Premiership title last season and he is now pushing for a senior England place, alongside the likes of Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw and Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples.

Farrell said: “I want England to win. If Owen is playing well enough he will be considered like anybody else. He is part of the pool of great exciting talent.”