Lawrence Dallaglio has insisted that the Rugby Football Union need to resolve their political issues or face jeopardising England’s success.
The former England captain believes that the opportunity of hosting the 2015 tournament could be ruined if the RFU don’t find a chairman, chief executive and senior executive quickly.
"It has not been the best few months for the Rugby Union and the sooner everything can be sorted out the better it will be," Sky Sports quotes Dallaglio as saying.
"It requires some strong leadership. The potential up-side is massive if they get themselves sorted out structurally. We have got an amazing Rugby World Cup coming here in the next four years.”
The director of communications Peter Thomas also departed from the RFU this week due to the tumultuous past few months. However, Dallaglio is confident that England can get back to their best if they remain focused.
"England is a sleeping giant. We have risen as giants once, in 2003, and there is no reason why we can't get back to where we need to be, but it can't just be done on the pitch,” he added.
"It needs a bit of help off the pitch as well. If that is sorted out we will be a threat and the rest of the world will recognise that."
The Rugby World Cup commences in September.
Danielle Joynson
