England chiefs vow no 'hasty reaction' after World Cup exit

England rugby bosses insisted Sunday there would be no "hasty reaction" after the team's World Cup exit at the hands of Australia.

The Wallabies' convincing 33-13 victory at Twickenham on Saturday saw England become the first host nation to fail to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup, with their tournament fate decided in a mere 16 days.

Saturday's result has led to intense speculation over the future of England coach Stuart Lancaster and his assistants, Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell.

Questions have also been asked about the role of Ian Ritchie, the chief executive of England's governing Rugby Football Union.

Last year Ritchie authorised the controversial decision to extend Lancaster's contract to 2020 -- beyond the next World Cup in Japan -- rather than wait to see how things worked out for the side at this tournament.

But Ritchie, in a statement on the englandrugby.com website, said Sunday: "I would like to stress there will be no hasty reaction to England's performance in this World Cup."

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