Exclusive - Ryan: Rugby World Cup review chaos is ‘very sad’ for the sport

Dean Ryan has described the chaos surrounding England’s Rugby World Cup review as ‘very sad’ for the sport.

Three confidential reports into the Red Rose’s campaign in New Zealand have been leaked and excerpts published in various newspapers, all critical of the coaching set-up during the 2011 tournament.

But former Gloucester coach Ryan believes a better functioning review process throughout the year would save the RFU from any future embarrassment.

“It’s done enormous damage,” the ex-England back-rower said. “I don’t think there’s a rugby person around who’s not saddened by events.

“They clearly didn’t have any review process from the team, to the team management, to the board and everything else. Those things should be in place at all times and should be done weekly, not post World Cup. Failure to do that has led to the events which have been distasteful for everybody.

“Anyone who is in a coaching position won’t have enjoyed Reading isolated opinions from people who are very inexperienced in the game and are having this blasted around.

“That’s not to sound like a protection of that coaching group. We all have an insight and some opinion on how they’ve done or whatever, but to trash it as has happened is very sad indeed.

“We have to be very careful because results can sometimes sink somebody or send somebody up.

“The real criteria for review should be in place. Why is somebody good at their job? What is it you’re asking them? Sometimes results can sway you either way. There have often been people who are very good at their jobs but been sacked because results have gone against them.

“We then should have a better understanding of how something is working, we shouldn’t have to wait until the World Cup for everyone to write something down. I’m very wary of wholesale review process.”