England lost the second Test 55-22 in South Africa

England lost both Tests heavily but were without a host of top players because of club commitments.

Andrew believes southern hemisphere tours, instigated by world governing body the IRB, are a step too far after a long season and in a World Cup year.

"Quite frankly, we shouldn't have been in South Africa," said Andrew. "It's been tough for coaches and players."

England coach Brian Ashton left home without at least 30 senior players from Wasps, Leicester and Bath, who were all competing in European club finals.

Injuries and a stomach virus further depleted Ashton's side, which lost 58-10 and 55-22 in the two Tests.

This series of tours for England, Wales, France and Ireland is one too many in World Cup year Rob Andrew

Second-string sides from Wales, France and Ireland are also on tour to Australia, New Zealand and Argentina respectively.

Wales lost 29-23 and 31-0 to the Wallabies, France went down 42-11 in the first Test against the All Blacks and Ireland suffered 22-20 and 16-0 at the hands of the Pumas.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry also criticised the international structure this week, saying Test matches were being devalued by a host of weak touring sides.

But Andrew stressed that negotiations had convinced the International Rugby Board to scrap tours ahead of the next World Cup in New Zealand in four years' time.

"This series of tours for England, Wales, France and Ireland is one too many in World Cup year. There won't be any before the 2011 World Cup," he said.

England will continue their World Cup preparations with a match against Wales at Twickenham on 4 August before playing home and away ties with France on 11 and 18 August.