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Ashton set for new England deal
Ashton's current contract runs out in December this year
Coach Brian Ashton is set to be offered a new contract after masterminding England's run to the World Cup final.
The 61-year-old's current deal ends in December but Rugby Football Union chief executive Frances Baron says Ashton will be asked to stay on.
"Brian and director of rugby Rob Andrew will sit down immediately after the World Cup," Baron told BBC Radio 4.
"Brian has clearly done a great job and I'm sure they will be thrashing it out very quickly."
Interview: RFU chief executive Francis Baron
Baron would not be drawn on how long Ashton's new deal might run for, although newspaper reports suggested it might take him until the next World Cup in 2011.
England face South Africa in the final and Baron said: "We won't talk about these things until the World Cup is over.
"We have got a massive match on Saturday and Brian is fully focused on delivering yet another great performance from our boys on Saturday.
"We wouldn't dream of mentioning contracts at this stage."
Andrew's talks with Ashton will also involve the idea of employing a manager to work alongside the coach.
"Rob decided not to do that for this World Cup and I think the decision was right," added Baron.
"The issue of the management structure will be part of the discussions with Brian. What we are keen to do is have a very clear structure looking forward to the next World Cup in 2011.
"We would like to get that in place before the Six Nations next year."
Ashton was promoted to the role of head coach in December 2006 following Andy Robinson's resignation.
The former Bath coach had previously had two spells on England's backroom team as a forwards coach after a short stint as head coach of Ireland.
What do you guys think, people wanted him out at the start of the cup but of course thats all changed now with there impressive run. Do you think it is a smart move in the long term? bearing in mind the what has happened to Eddie O'Sullivan.
Ashton about to pen new England deal
Ashton about to pen new England deal
