The Rugby Football Union's new chief executive Ian Ritchie believes that the governing body have made the right decision in appointing Stuart Lancaster as the permanent England head coach.

The 42-year-old was announced as the full-time successor to Martin Johnson earlier today, reportedly beating former Italy coach Nick Mallett.

"This is one of the biggest jobs in world rugby, we had an excellent selection to choose from. We believe we have made the right one," Ritchie said in a press conference.

"The next series in the autumn is going to be against some very good teams. I think it's right to make the appointment now. There's no advantage other than making the permanent appointment. We need to move on and get things moving in the direction we want.

"It's been very interesting to see the support that Stuart has received and that has had to be a factor which has to be rightly taken into consideration."

Lancaster's first major challenge as permanent head coach will be England's three-Test series in South Africa this summer.