Ashton aims to put smiles back on English faces

BRIAN ASHTON wants to put a smile back on the face of English international rugby following a prolonged spell scarred by crushing under-achievement.

The new England head coach will take charge of February’s RBS 6 Nations Championship against Scotland at Twickenham.

England have lost eight of their last nine Tests – a demoralising results sequence which cost Ashton’s predecessor, Andy Robinson, his job and saw them roundly written off as serious 2007 World Cup contenders.