Hanley quits England job

Hanley and Woodward will be parting company

Ellery Hanley has given up his England rugby union coaching role after contract talks broke down.

The former rugby league star received high praise from manager Clive Woodward for his defensive coaching and motivational qualities during the summer tour to North America.

I'm very lucky and money never plays a part in my decisions, but I'm not going to wash my dirty linen in public

Ellery Hanley

But having been in the job for just nine months, Hanley said a contractual dispute with the Rugby Football Union was the reason behind his decision.

"I was offered one contract by Clive Woodward and the RFU produced another one last Friday that bore no resemblance to the first deal," Hanley told the Daily Telegraph.

"I'm very lucky and money never plays a part in my decisions, but I'm not going to wash my dirty linen in public.

"All I will say about my time with England is that I enjoyed every minute.

Ellery has made a great contribution to the development of England players through his coaching

RFU's Chris Spice

"The players are a tremendous bunch and are a delight to work with. I think they will go from strength to strength."

Hanley, 40, who had joined the England camp last January, is now likely to return to his home in Australia.

Rugby Football Union performance director Chris Spice said: "We were unable to agree a contract with Ellery and so by mutual agreement we have parted company.

"Ellery has made a great contribution to the development of England players through his coaching with the England A team and more recently on the tour to North America. We wish him every success with his future career."