Ashton has Cipriani's support

Rising England star Danny Cipriani has backed Brian Ashton to continue as the country's head coach.

Rising England star Danny Cipriani has backed Brian Ashton to continue as the country's head coach.

Ashton met with the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) elite rugby director Rob Andrew at Twickenham on Tuesday as part of the RFU's standard tournament review.

Despite going down to Grand Slam winners Wales and struggling Scotland, Ashton's side finished second in the Six Nations – just six months after reaching the World Cup final in France.

Doubts over Ashton's future persist though, with South Africa's World Cup winning coach Jake White yet to take up a post.

Cipriani, who made his debut in place of Jonny Wilkinson in England's tournament finale victory over Ireland, has pledged his support for the coach.

“I just want what's best for Brian and if he wants to continue, which I know he does, he would relish it and be phenomenal,” Cipriani told Sky Sports News.

“Knowing Brian for so long, I think his ideas are very good and I really respond to the way he thinks.

“Obviously I'd like to have Brian around because I've known him for so long and I feel things have gone well.

“The team is really starting to gel.”

But the waters have been muddied by former England skipper Martin Johnson's possible involvement in managing the side.

Twickenham's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is reportedly keen to appoint Johnson as England supremo in a newly-created role that would give him full control of the coaching set-up.

But the 20-year-old Danny Cipriani understands the benefit Johnson's presence would bring.

“I met Martin once very briefly. He was obviously a great leader and if he was given a management role then England could possibly benefit from it,” he said.

Ashton took over from Andy Robinson in December 2006 and was reappointed in December 2007 following a two-month review of England's World Cup performance.

For former England number eight Dean Richards, who was touted as a successor to Ashton last year, the debate over the England's coach future is mystifying.

“It's been a disastrous year from England's point of view hasn't it – coming second in the World Cup and second in the Six Nations. They must be kicking themselves!” Richards joked.

“Ten months ago England were going through a transitional period and had many inexperienced players.

“How ironic that everyone is now looking closely at Brian Ashton. I think he's doing a great job.

“Just look at the quality of players coming through like Danny Cipriani, David Strettle and Tom Croft, the experience they have lost and the position they now find themselves in.

“Yes, there probably has been a certain amount of discord within the camp, but when you go through a transitional period there will always be a bit of that.

“Brian should be part of the summer tour. Whether he should be the guy leading it depends on who the manager is and if there is one.”