Chief executive of the Rugby Football Union Ian Ritchie has insisted that the right call has been made in appointing Eddie Jones as England head coach.
The 55-year-old was named as Stuart Lancaster's successor on a four-year contract on Friday.
Jones, who has had coaching spells with Australia, South Africa and Japan, had only just agreed to take charge of South Africa Super Rugby club The Stormers, but was given permission to speak to the RFU.
"We promised to recruit a coach with proven international experience and we have done that," Ritchie told reporters. "Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan.
"We believe that the appointment, which was unanimously approved by the RFU board, is the right one to bring England success in the short, medium and long term.
"We are confident Eddie can build on the strong foundations already laid, with this talented group of players largely remaining together through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond. We are grateful to the Stormers for their co-operation in releasing Eddie early from his contract."
Jones, who will begin his role in December, will face his first major challenge when England take on Scotland in their opening Six Nations clash at Murrayfield on February 6.
Danielle Joynson
