RFU Chief Executive, Francis Baron OBE said “Rob is the best person for the job and the fact that he came through a very competitive field, with some superb candidates competing for the Elite Rugby Director role says much about the way he impressed the interview panel with his vision and ideas.

“Following the decisions resulting from the Six Nations review in April 2006 we set ourselves the target of appointing a new England coaching team prior to the June tour to Australia and a new Elite Rugby Director by the start of the 2006/07 season and both objectives have been met.   

“The search to appoint the Elite Rugby Director was a thorough one and interviews took place in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa so that all potential candidates could be looked at to ensure we got the right person. We have achieved that and we are all looking forward to working with Rob.   

Rob Andrew said today “I’d firstly like to thank Newcastle Falcons for giving me eleven very memorable years of club rugby. We achieved a lot during my time at the club, developed a lot of exciting players and the support I had from the board, players and supporters was invaluable throughout my time here. I’d like to wish Newcastle Falcons all the best for the forthcoming season in the Guinness Premiership.  

“Moving away from Newcastle Falcons has of course been a difficult decision for me to make but the challenge offered by the Elite Rugby Director role was one I couldn’t turn down.  

 “The time I’ve spent in professional Premiership club rugby has been invaluable and I want to work closely with the club owners and the Directors of Rugby so that we can reach agreements, which will mutually benefit both parties and take international and club rugby in this country to another level.”