So the RFU have announced Rob Andrew as the Director of Rugby Operations. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9433208.stm
  He has beaten off competition from a field of at least one to claim this position which is one of a number of new posts created from the former post of Elite Rugby Director which was held by Rob Andrew. Presumably this means that Andrew can continue in his role of sitting behind Martin Johnson looking serious during internationals where he can be now be joined by Steve Grainger and quite likely Sir Clive Woodward.

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   Commenting on Sir Alex Ferguson's recent comments about referee Martin Atkinson Craig Moore of the FA's Independent Regulatory Commission stated that Ferguson had "undermined the FA's Respect campaign". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9434094.stm Now whilst I don't condone the comments made I seriously doubt that the FA's much vaunted campaign lies broken in the gutter as children up and down the country cry about where the spirit of the game has gone now that one individual has taken his immediate frustrations of losing a game out on the official in charge. It is by no means the first time that this happened and Ferguson is not the only manager to blame the referee but to use such hyperbole does not help the situation either. Not many managers will criticise their own teams in public but have a microphone thrust under their noses as soon as the final whistle goes as reporters search for soundbites. Ferguson himself demonstrated that after a few days to calm down his assessment of a match can be more honest and balanced when he discussed the defeat to Liverpool after refusing to talk immediately after the match. Such comments may not sell as many papers but were far more constructive and interesting. As for a lack of respect - that takes place on the back pages of the tabloids every day but then the FA have no recourse to fine them. Ideally it would be nice for officials to answer questions about the match - again not straight after the event but with time allowed to calm down and possibly to see video of key incidents - but is something that has been avoided. If the public can hear the referee perhaps they will realise that they are human and capable of making mistakes and thus cut them some slack. I was going to say forgive but opposition fans certainly won't do that but it can't be any worse than to have the referee scurry away without explaining his thinking on certain decisions.