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The future of RFU Operations Director Rob Andrew (right) is in doubt as a result of the document leaks. Lynne Cameron/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Whodunnit?

One more question ma'am: RFU hire former detective to investigate leaks

Meanwhile, an unnamed England coach has suggested the information in the leaks was exaggerated.

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL Union has decided to hire an ex-Scotland Yard detective in its attempts to ascertain the person responsible for the controversial document leaks, which reviewed their World Cup failure.

The RFU’s chief disciplinary officer, Jeff Blackett, confirmed that a former detective would be brought in to head an independent inquiry, saying that “when the report is produced, and I would imagine the time frame will be two weeks, we will take the necessary action”.

The documents are likely to prove highly damaging to the English team, with a number of senior figures including Martin Johnson and Lewis Moody coming under severe criticism.

However, an unnamed member of Johnson’s coaching team told The Guardian that the allegations in the report were exaggerated.

“It’s become very personal and it’s a great shame. It’s just a complete political shit-fight. For people to try and paint a picture that we are unprofessional, disorganised or incompetent is grossly unfair. To cobble together a few players’ comments to give that impression … I don’t think that is right.

“The perception is that England is a shambles. Well, not really. We had a poor World Cup but the 2011 season was moderately successful. We won 10 out of 13 internationals. Only New Zealand won more games in that period than we did.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports that there is mounting pressure on Rob Andrew, the Rugby Football Union’s elite rugby director, to resign, after sports minister Hugh Robinson indicated that changes needed to be made within the England set-up.

Andrew was quoted in the documents as saying that “some players were more focused on money than rugby”.

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