Paris win will not alter RFU process – Ritchie

Ritchie agreed Lancaster’s application for the job had been strengthened by England’s 24-22 victory over France but he insisted the result would not alter the RFU’s recruitment process.

After Jake White last week ruled himself out of contention, the RFU would appear to have a straight choice between Lancaster and Nick Mallett to lead England into the 2015 World Cup.

“Stuart has been doing a fantastic job and this was a great result; it is a helpful thing to strengthen his case,” Ritchie said.

“We are going through a process. It is not going to be based on what happens in the Six Nations alone – whether we had lost to France, whether we had won or what happens against Ireland next weekend.

“We are going through a proper process to try and find the best possible candidate.

“Winning here in Paris, fantastic though it is and a great win, does not change what we will go through.

“I am of the view we have a great list of people interested in the job and I include Stuart in that. He is putting his best foot forward but it is a comparative process.”

Lancaster took over the reins of an England set-up in meltdown following the failed World Cup campaign and Martin Johnson’s decision to stand down as manager.

In seven short weeks, Lancaster has succeeded in transforming the image of English rugby while also delivering results with a young and inexperienced side.

Never before in the Six Nations have England won all three of their away matches.

Assistant coaches Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree praised the work Lancaster has done in restoring a national sense of pride in the England team.

England captain Chris Robshaw and his predecessor Lewis Moody are meanwhile among a number of his players backing Lancaster for the job.

“You take all those factors into account,” Ritchie said.

Lancaster cannot compete with Mallett, who was first approached by the RFU in December, for international experience but he believes that gap can be bridged.

Lancaster has not looked out of place on the England stage and Ritchie recognised his achievements over the past three months.

But Ritchie stressed that his job was to find the right man for the next three years, to give England the very best chance of success in their home World Cup.

“Is it clear as well the team performs for Stuart? It is very clear,” Ritchie said.

“Stuart has been gaining more international experience and coming to Paris and winning is part of that.

“We have the team heading in the right direction because the basic values Stuart has imbued into the team are the basic values we all agree with.

“When we are looking at the candidates who are in the frame, it is comparing different skills, different backgrounds, different experiences. It is a comparative exercise.

“We certainly won’t be announcing anything before the end of the Six Nations. It is a big call and a difficult decision. We have some interesting, difficult choices because there have always been some good people applying for it.”

England flanker Tom Rees was yesterday forced to concede defeat in his long battle with injury after retiring with immediate effect on medical advice.

The 27-year-old Wasps back row has failed to recover from the ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligament incurred against Agen during pre-season.

It was the latest setback to a highly-promising career blighted by a succession of serious shoulder and knee problems.

Rees’s retirement robs England of their most natural openside and a player who was viewed as a future Test captain before injury ruined the last three seasons.

Northampton have agreed a deal to sign Rotherham captain Sam Dickinson.

The 27-year-old flanker has enjoyed a three-year stint with the Titans, establishing himself as one of the best performers outside of the top flight.

He will leave Clifton Lane at the end of the season.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at Rotherham and learned a lot during my time at Clifton Lane,” said Dickinson.