Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has labelled speculation surrounding the future of England head coach Brian Ashton as amazing.

Former internationals Lawrence Dallaglio and Mark Catt launched scathing attacks on their ex-boss at the weekend seven-days after Ashton led them to an unlikely World Cup final appearance.

Webb Ellis Trophy winning Springbok coach Jake White has openly touted himself for the job, while Richards and Bristol counterpart Richard Hill have also been linked with the position.

Director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is heading a review of England's campaign with a view to making a decision on whether to offer former Bath chief Ashton a contract extension in December.

Richards, who has not been in touch with the RFU over the job, has slammed the criticism and this week reminded his own players they would not be at the club very long were they to publicly question his regime in the same way.

"If you had asked people two years ago - or even six months ago - what they thought a good performance at the World Cup might be, I think people would have been extremely happy with an appearance in the final," he said.

"I find it amazing Brian's credentials are being questioned and people are speculating on who his successor might be in these circumstances, particularly when he's done such a good job.

"If players have an issue with the coach they should express that through the right channels. I would have thought that would best be done through Rob Andrew.

"Lawrence and Mike have played with him, so I don't think there would have been a problem there.

"It goes without saying that if any of my players did that to me they wouldn't be at the club for very much longer."

Sale Sharks are set to welcome back their World Cup contingent to competitive action this weekend with Andrew Sheridan and Sebastian Chabal expected to be involved with their EDF Cup clash against Bath.

But Richards, who watched Chris Hala'Ufia's try inspire a 10-8 victory at London Irish, is adamant he will not follow suit preferring to hold back Nick Easter, Andy Gomarsall and South African prop Gary Botha for the opening Heineken Cup clash at Stade Francais next weekend.