RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie has claimed that the Rugby World Cup can still leave behind a positive "lasting legacy" for England.

The Red Rose became the first tournament hosts to be knocked out at the group stage when falling to defeat against Australia on Saturday night.

With three weeks of the showpiece competition still to go, Ritchie insists that the show must still go on and is confident that participation levels in the sport will not drop as a result of the surprise early exit.

"This is set to be the biggest world tournament to date," he told England Rugby's official website. "Over a million people have so far seen games live, and I have no doubt that our investment of time and resources in creating a lasting legacy will see a step change in rugby enjoyment and participation across the country."

Ritchie has also vowed not to make any rash decision over the future of under-fire head coach Stuart Lancaster.