Rugby: Rob Andrew has admitted the English Rugby Football Union has reached "rock bottom" following the leaking of confidential World Cup reports, but has ruled out the prospect of resigning from his position of elite rugby director.

The RFU has launched an investigation into the leaking of three damning reports into England's World Cup campaign, with the organisation's director of elite rugby Andrew describing the leaks as "disgusting".

Detailed contents from the reviews undertaken by the RFU, the Rugby Players' Association and the Aviva Premiership clubs appeared across eight pages of The Times on Wednesday.

The reports contain quotes from Andrew and unnamed players which paint the picture of a divided squad, riven by a lack of trust under the leadership of a management team out of their depth.

"What has happened in terms of this leak is disgusting," Andrew told BBC Radio Five Live. "What is really sad for all of us in this is that we asked the players and coaches in good faith to give us their honest feedback, and that has been betrayed by somebody. That is unacceptable.

"I am absolutely shattered by what is going on both on and off the field. I am saddened by what is going on at the moment. I am saddened for English rugby. The RFU has to sort itself out, this is rock bottom, the lowest of the low and it can't be allowed to continue."

The RFU's disciplinary chief Judge Jeff Blackett is set to appoint an independent investigator to take charge of the inquiry and deliver his findings within two weeks.

Speaking about the leaked reports, Andrew added: "Some of the information in there we have to investigate, which we will. But it is not a fair reflection on the coaches, it is not a fair reflection on the players, it is not a fair reflection on the English game.

"We were aware of those issues. Martin (Johnson) was aware of them, the coaches were aware of them. They've had feedback all the way through the process."

Asked if he knew before the World Cup if there were issues, such as a player revolt over pay, Andrew added: "Those things go on the whole time. We are not living in a dream world here. We have these debates. Coaches and players have these debates the whole time around money, around coaching, around training. Those things are always there."

Andrew made a bullish defence of his position at the press conference earlier this month where Johnson announced his resignation, insisting he would not quit. He stands by that, although he accepted a measure of responsibility for the RFU's recent failings.

"The reality of my job is that I'm not the England team manager. I'm the elite rugby director and I run a big department," he added. "But I accept responsibility for what is going on here.

"Does it mean I'm going to resign? No it doesn't. Does it mean it's all broken? No it doesn't."

Johnson stepped down earlier this month, while this morning backs coach Brian Smith resigned after being heavily criticised by players in the reports.