England's new coaching team

Lancaster, who has coached England Saxons and is the RFU Head of Elite Player Development, spoke to the RFU Podcast, and expressed his excitement about taking on his new role: “It’s a fantastic honour and a huge privilege,” he said.  “It’s a huge responsibility – it’s very exciting and I want to try and get the players in the right place and performing well in the 6 Nations.”

Farrell, who has been loaned by Saracens, coached the Saxons with Lancaster and is equally enthusiastic about what the future holds for the national side.

He said: “Coaching is all about experiences, you learn something every day, and to come to England and coach a fantastic bunch of players can only be a good thing.”

Also on this week’s Podcast we deal with the sad news that England stalwart, and most capped hooker, Steve Thompson has been forced to hang his boots up after an illustrious career at the age of 33. Former teammate Ben Cohen pays tribute to one of his “best friends.”

We also hear from former Aussie full back Joe Roff who gives us the lowdown on the successful Heroes Rugby Challenge played out at Twickenham, before touching base with the Varsity teams, the England Women and the England Sevens.

The RFU Podcast takes you inside English rugby from the grassroots to the elite.