The agreement will see Brian helping to create the national teachers' rugby development programme to be launched in 2010. He will also use his expertise to advance the RFU's community rugby coaches and develop the way the game is introduced and developed for players aged seven to 35.

Brian will travel throughout England supporting the coach development programmes of the RFU's eight regional Coach Development Officers. He will also work with the department to create a new coaching resource to improve coaches' understanding of ways to make players and teams clearer decision makers in attacking play.

Head of RFU Coach Development Gary Henderson said: "The RFU has a key objective of becoming world leaders in coaching development. Over the next five years we intend building a series of programmes and resources to enhance coaches' understanding of the game and their coaching skills. Brian's unique expertise and knowledge will enable us to be at the forefront of coaching."

Brian Ashton added: "I am delighted to be working with the RFU's Coaching Development Department to help deliver and develop in a number of areas of coaching. Their determination to enhance coaching in decision making and game understanding appeals to my sense of innovation and creativity and will, hopefully, offer something different to those who still operate in a coach-centred drills based fashion with their players."