Dingwall: England will stay on track

FRASER Dingwall is confident the shock loss of two coaches this summer will not derail England who have shown significant signs of progress this year.

- PAUL REES

Conditioning specialist Alex Walters and defence coach Felix Jones, who were both part of World Cup winning South Africa management teams, resigned in quick succession after the summer Tests against Japan and New Zealand.

Walters moved to Ireland, partly for family reasons, but no official explanation has been given for Jones handing in his notice after little more than seven months in the role during which time he had made a profound difference.

Former England defence coach Paul Gustard has been linked with the job, along with Joe El-Abd, who in his playing days had a stint in Bristol's back row and is now head coach of Oyonnax.

"It was a surprise when they left and everyone was sad to see them go," said Northampton centre Dingwall, who won his first cap in the Six Nations and went on the summer tour.

"It is their decision and as a player coaches coming and going is something we are used to. Their decisions are often based on more than just rugby and I am sure that whoever comes in will do a great job.