The RFU/PRL Heads of agreement signed in November 2007 provides an opportunity for significantly more access for RFU medical staff to England players and its delivery requires an enhanced medical resource.

Separating the roles of England team senior team doctor and the Head of Sports Medicine will enable the delivery of an enhanced medical service for the elite player.

Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew said: “Simon has done an outstanding job combining the roles of England Team Doctor and Head of Sports Medicine.

"It is very clear however that Simon will need to dedicate virtually all of his time to the specific area of medical management as defined in the new agreement as well as the needs of all five our representative squads and our elite officials going forward.

“He will manage the new RFU/PRL heads of agreement medical protocol, which takes effect from July 1st and sit on the medical panel of the newly formed Professional Game Board, the England Injury and Training audit research group, RugbyCare and the IRB medical advisory committee. He will continue to provide a clinical service out of senior side test weeks."

Johnson, the England team manager, said “Simon has been an excellent team doctor for England. I worked with him directly while I was Captain of England and until I retired from international duty after the 2003 RWC. Simon and his team did a superb job while I was in the squad and during our time in Australia during the tournament.

"I look forward to continuing the working relationship I have with Simon in his new role.

“The recruitment process is underway and the Team Doctor will be responsible for the management and provision of treatment and rehabilitation of all players during test weeks, tours and training camps and the weekly liaison with players and their clubs to assist with treatment, rehab and recovery from injury at other times.

“I will chair the selection panel, which will include Simon and Calvin Morriss the England fitness coach.” 

Dr Simon Kemp said “I have been involved with the England squad as team Doctor for over 80 internationals including two Rugby World Cup campaigns and it’s been an honour and a huge privilege to be part of the England Management team.

“I’d like to thank all of the medical staff I have worked with during my time with England, notably Phil Pask, Richard Wegrzyk and Barney Kenny and I would also like to express my gratitude to the medical teams within the clubs of the Guinness Premiership, who I will continue to collaborate with.

“I’m very much looking forward to my role as Head of Medicine and the opportunity it provides to develop further our reputation as a world leading union in the field of rugby medicine.”