Former England head coach Brian Ashton has revealed for the first time his surprise at his controversial departure from Twickenham had on friends and family.

In December’s International Rugby News, Ashton, who left the job in April, 2008, reveals he thought he was still part of the RFU’s plans when his bosses unveiled plans to overhaul the coaching structure of the England team, but then found himself out of the job, with Martin Johnson coming in to head up the new regime.

He said: “The week before the decision was made, the RFU announced a new management structure was to be put in place. It was said they hoped all the present coaching staff would buy into it. I assumed that included me.”

When he was finally axed, the former Bath coach maintained a dignified silence but has now revealed the impact those tumultuous few weeks had on his private life.

“I was never clear about what was likely to happen next and it seemed to drag on for a long period of time. I’d have to be honest and say I have slept better. But the worst thing was it affected the people around me. They became very anxious and stressed about what was going to happen.”

In a revealing interview, Ashton talks of his sadness at not being able to work with many of the players he had nursed through the England Academy system, and has some strong views on the state of the professional game.

For the full interview, see this month’s International Rugby News, on sale from November 19

CHRISTMAS OFFER: SUBSCRIBE TO INTERNATIONAL RUGBY NEWS FOR JUST £20 AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT WORTH £26 - OFFER EXPIRES 31ST DECEMBER 2008 - CLICK HERE