Dallaglio and Catt have met with RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew

The veteran duo accused Ashton of failing to properly prepare and organise England during the World Cup.

"It is essential the fundamental trust between players and coaches, which is critical for any team's success, is not undermined," said a RFU statement.

The rebuke could mean the end of 35-year-old Dallaglio's England career.

Interview: Former England centre Mike Catt

The Wasps back-row forward played a fringe role in the World Cup but had indicated he wanted to carry on representing his country.

The timing obviously wasn't great and if that's caused a problem then I apologise unreservedly England forward Lawrence Dallaglio

Following the RFU's statement, Dallaglio, who made the critical remarks in his autobiography, has issued an apology.

"I didn't set out in this book to embarrass anyone, to make bad comments about other people, and if that's happened I apologise," he said.

"But I think it would have been wrong of me not to finish with the 2007 World Cup the same way as I have tried to achieve through the book, which is just to be honest and open with my opinions.

"The timing obviously wasn't great, the dust is yet to settle on the World Cup, and if that's caused a problem then I apologise unreservedly."

Mike Catt, whose comments also came from his autobiography, has already announced his international retirement following the World Cup final loss to South Africa.

The 36-year-old centre plans to continue his club career with London Irish, where he will combine playing with coaching.

The RFU's management board discussed Dallaglio and Catt at a meeting on Wednesday, its first since the World Cup final.

606: DEBATE What goes on in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room SCJ

Following its conclusion, it issued a statement recording the board's "extreme disappointment that two senior players have chosen to criticise publicly members of the England coaching team".

The board was also unhappy the pair had disclosed "alleged proceedings within England team meetings".

"The long-standing ethos of the game, as well as the custom and practice of the England team meetings, is that they have always been private and confidential," added the statement.

Rob Andrew, the RFU's elite rugby director, has met Dallaglio and Catt and requested copies of their autobiographies.

Andrew is also involved in the review of England's World Cup performance and will have a say on whether Ashton will stay on as coach.

According to the RFU, all squad players and members of the coaching and management team will have an input.

England have missed a huge opportunity with the World Cup-winning team Sir Clive Woodward

Andrew will update the management board on their next meeting on 26 November.

Meanwhile, Sir Clive Woodward believes World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson should be handed a senior role with the England team.

Woodward also feels the RFU have failed to make best use of certain other members of the team who guided to World Cup glory in 2003.

"England have missed a huge opportunity with the World Cup-winning team," he told The Times newspaper.

"Where are people like Will Greenwood and Matt Dawson, the brains trust?

"Their knowledge is vital, yet they have been allowed to drift away to the media and corporate roles.

"Their involvement with England should have been the legacy of the 2003 World Cup.