Andrew standing firm within RFU as Tindall awaits verdict over fine appeal

Richmond-born Rob Andrew admitted the Rugby Football Union has hit “rock bottom” after recent events on and off the field but will not resign as director of elite rugby despite coming under increasing pressure from outside Twickenham.

In another turn of events yesterday, the RFU moved Otley-born centre Mike Tindall’s appeal hearing to a secret location away from Twickenham and said there will be no verdict announced until later.

Tindall is appealing against the RFU’s decision to fine him £25,000 for his conduct relating to a drunken night out in Queenstown during the World Cup. The 33-year-old was also dropped from the England squad following a RFU investigation, conducted by Andrew and legal officer Karena Vleck.

Tindall was among the group of players who went out for drinks after being given the night off and he was captured on CCTV footage from the Altitude Bar in conversation with a woman.

The Gloucester centre later issued an apology for misleading the England management over his movements that night, having initially claimed he did not go on to another bar.

The Rugby Players’ Association described Tindall’s fine handed down by the RFU as “extraordinary” and “unprecendented”.

Tindall’s appeal is being heard by the RFU’s acting chief executive Martyn Thomas.

Although England manager Martin Johnson resigned last week, Andrew said that he has no intention of ending his Twickenham tenure.

“The reality of my job is that I am not the England team manager. I am the elite rugby director and I run a big department. But I absolutely accept responsibility for what is going on here.

“Does it mean I’m going to resign? No, I’m not. Does it mean it’s all broken? No, it doesn’t.”

One man who has resigned is Brian Smith, England’s attack coach. Smith was heavily criticised in a leaked players’ report which followed the calamitous World Cup campaign.

Smith was recruited to the management team by Johnson in July 2008 having previously been director of rugby at London Irish. He has decided not to seek a renewal of his contract with the RFU.