As a player, Rob Andrew was the personification of calm, the clinical cog at the heart of the red rose machine.

His actions as England's goalkicking king and backline conductor spoke volumes; words flowed only in praise of his abilities.

Since hanging up the boots that launched his country to Grand Slam glory however, Andrew's verbal volleys have proved as lethal as his penalty prowess.

The cold and calculating on-field assassin has recently managed to rival Austin Healey in his flair for plunging himself into hot water.

In the last 10 days, Andrew has been the subject of more column inches than one of the Leicester Lip's infamous Lions missives.

The Newcastle director of rugby has found himself embroiled in a damaging racism row, banned from Gloucester's Kingsholm ground and threatened with legal action by supporters.

And just for good measure, he also accused Leinster of gamesmanship in refusing to play a re-arranged Heineken Cup tie.

Andrew also labelled the Kingsholm crowd a "disgrace" following the controversial Zurich Premiership match between the sides last month - and he has steadfastly refused to apologise to the west country club for his comments.

An RFU disciplinary hearing is expected to address the issue on Thursday and, regardless of the outcome, Andrew will no doubt profer his own opinion.

In his willingness to speak his mind and articulate his grievances in public, Andrew has much in common with Clive Woodward.

And given his breadth of experience, he would surely be an ideal candidate to succeed the England manager at a future date.

Strange to reflect then that the stubbornness and determination that brought Andrew such on-field success may prove a hindrance to him guiding his country at the highest level off it.