 Baron (left) insists he did not interfere in Robinson's role |
Rugby chief Francis Baron insists he will not follow former England coach Andy Robinson out of Twickenham. Baron, chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, has been criticised for his part in England's slump but wants to help lead the team back to glory.
"I'm not going anywhere," Baron told BBC Radio Five Live. "I'm going to make sure that we get back on track.
"We know what we've got to do, and we are going to get England back to being number one in the world again."
Robinson's dismal 25-month reign as England coach came to an end with his resignation on Tuesday.
Baron did not attend the briefing and his absence meant he did not have to face growing critism that he has also had a hand in England's run of bad form over the last two years.
 | It's not the thing they are not terribly keen on, but you cannot rule anything out RFU chief executive, Francis Baron |
Baron, who became chief executive in 1998, has been admonished for sacking coaches Phil Larder, Joe Lydon and Dave Alred after the Six Nations but sparing Robinson.
He has also been accused of influencing rugby decisions when his role is to provide a management team for England.
But Baron has answered his critics and rejected suggestions that he interferes in matters concerning the national side.
"Some of the stuff that has been written this week and some of the stuff that has been said on radio is factually incorrect," said Baron.
The chief executive insists Club England is responsible for identifying and choosing the national team coach.
Howver, Baron is credited with working wonders to turn the RFU into the richest rugby governing body in the world with �28m in the bank.
And he has already also identified areas that he can work on to give the structure of the game in England a much-needed revamp, so that the national side can flourish.
"The system has been creaking for some time," he said.
"I think everybody in the professional game knows that. Everybody knows we have got to make some structural changes within the game so we have a thriving, growing club game and a successful England side."
606 DEBATE: Has Baron's RFU leadership failed England?
Baron revealed the RFU is looking into several options, including the introduction of central contracts for England's leading players.
"We are clearly looking at that as a possible option," said Baron.
"We have talked to club owners about it. Yes, it's not the thing they are not terribly keen on, but when you are thinking outside the box you cannot rule anything out."
While the search for a new coach begins, Baron is determined that there will be no repeat of the scenes at Twickenham that sounded Robinson's death knell.
Boos greeted the England team as they lost to South Africa 25-14, sinking to their eighth defeat in nine games.
"It was one of the worst days in my period in office," said Baron.
"I've been in my job for seven years now and it was one of the worst days. I never want to hear it again."