Ashton needs to point England in a new direction after a dire run

England and Wasps back Josh Lewsey has welcomed the appointment of Brian Ashton as England's new head coach.

Former attack coach Ashton was appointed on Wednesday to replace ex-boss Andy Robinson.

"It is no secret that I am a big fan of Brian's - I've championed him for a long time," Lewsey told BBC Sport.

"He's certainly a visionary. Brian challenges people to think slightly outside the box - he will want to put his own stamp on things."

Ashton has spoken of his desire to free England from their conservative mindset and style of play.

However, Lewsey said the idea that Ashton only advocates a wide game fails to understand the coach's real vision.

In many ways Brian has been a shining light in a period of English rugby where there has been a lot of conservatism

England back Josh Lewsey

"I think people incorrectly label him as the advocate of 'sevens' rugby," said Lewsey, who first met Ashton when he was 18 and Ashton tried to persuade him to join Bath.

"He's actually an advocate of people taking responsibility and playing what they see in front of them, which is the key to playing exciting and challenging rugby, both defensively and offensively."

Since winning the World Cup, England's form has fallen away dismally and the mood around the team has not always been positive.

Robinson eventually paid the price for a run of eight defeats in nine games but Lewsey said it would be simplistic to blame the ex-coach for all the team's ills.

"The issues that have been implicated in England's performances run a lot deeper than just one person at the top," said Lewsey.

"I know within the management set-up they're looking at doing things slightly differently and as players you always welcome a bit of a change.

"In many ways Brian has been a shining light in a period of English rugby where there has been a lot of conservatism."

Mallett led South Africa to 17 consecutive Test victories
Nick Mallett is not interested in becoming England head coach, according to his boss at Western Province.
Sir Clive Woodward has said Mallett "stands way ahead" of all other candidates and the South African is reported to be top choice for the RFU.

But Western Province managing director Rob Wagner told BBC Radio Five Live: "I met with Nick yesterday and he told me he had no interest in the England job.

"We're in negotiations to extend his contract for a further year."

Mallett, who was born in England, became Western Province's director of rugby last year and is under contract with them until the end of 2007.

He had previously led South Africa to a world record-equalling 17 consecutive Test victories and taken Stade Francais to the Heineken Cup final.

RFU elite director of rugby Rob Andrew has said he expects to have a new head coach in place before the start of the Six Nations.

The Sun newspaper reported that Mallett was Andrew's first choice on Thursday.

Andrew will tell the RFU management board his recommendation for head coach on 20 December.

Management board chairman Martyn Thomas told BBC Sport: "Elite rugby in England is under the control of Rob Andrew, lock, stock and barrel.

"He will report direct to the management board and, although I can't pre-empt a decision, I would be very surprised if his recommendations were not approved."