HANLEY ADMITS ROW WITH RFU

Former rugby league star Ellery Hanley has admitted he quit his England rugby union coaching role following a contractual row with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Hanley, 40, had received high praise from manager Clive Woodward during England`s summer tour of North America for his work as a defensive coach and also for his motivational qualities.

But after just nine months in the job Hanley conceded that negotiations with the RFU over a new contract had broken down, although he denied that money was the issue.

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

"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.

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

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