Rob Andrew wants to stay at RFU and may work with Sir Clive Woodward

Rob Andrew has indicated he is keen to remain at the Rugby Football Union and assume the role of rugby operations director in the reshuffled set-up at Twickenham. There has been speculation that Andrew would not wish to stay at the RFU but it is believed he has now formally applied for the newly created position. Andrew has been the RFU's elite rugby director since 2006 but that role is being replaced following a strategic review by John Steele, the new chief executive. If Andrew were to be appointed operations director, it would raise the tantalising possibility of him working alongside Sir Clive Woodward, widely seen as a leading contender for the prime job of performance director. The pair are not bosom pals, Andrew having been narrowly installed ahead of Woodward by the RFU's former chief executive Francis Baron. While the performance director will be primarily tasked with raising the standards of all England's representative teams, he will also be required to co-operate with the operations director on a range of issues. Andrew, or whoever gets the latter job, would be responsible for ensuring the needs of the performance and development departments are met, as well as liaising with the Premiership clubs. An RFU spokesman emphasised the recruitment process was entirely confidential and that the union would not be commenting on individual applicants. Andrew's decision to put his name forward prior to last Friday's application deadline suggests, however, he wants to put the recent upheaval behind him and play a part in helping England's ambition to win the 2015 World Cup. The recruitment process is due to be completed by the end of March. A panel, comprising Steele, the RFU chairman, Martyn Thomas, an RFU board member and an independent figure will make the appointments.