Chief executive Ian Ritchie has conceded that Stuart Lancaster will not be given another role within the Rugby Football Union.

Lancaster left his position as the head coach of England by mutual consent earlier today.

There had been suggestions that the 46-year-old could take up a different job in the organisation, potentially involving the development of younger players.

However, Ritchie has insisted that a "clean break" is best for all concerned, including Lancaster's eventual replacement.

"If you go back to the priority of recruiting a new head coach and it is very difficult for the new head coach to have the old head coach still in the organisation in some role. It will be a clean break for Stuart," he told reporters.

Ritchie also confirmed that the governing body intends to take "sufficient time" to identify Lancaster's successor.