The bad news just keeps on coming for England at the Rugby World Cup.
Two days after becoming the first host team to fail to qualify for the knockout stage, England was told it was being investigated after a member of the team's staff allegedly approached a match official during the 33-13 loss to Australia on Saturday.
World Rugby issued a statement on Monday reminding that coaches and team staff are prohibited from approaching officials during a match or at halftime.
The statement did not specify the person in question.
England had never previously failed to reach the quarterfinals at a Rugby World Cup, and confirmation that the national team has reached rock bottom arrived with the release of the world rankings on Monday.
England dropped to No. 8, matching its lowest-ever ranking. The English could fall even lower if Scotland wins two more matches in the World Cup — its last pool game and a quarterfinal.
A review into England's World Cup performance will take place after the tournament, but there are already reports in the British media of rifts in the squad.
England No. 8 Billy Vunipola took to Twitter late Sunday to deny stories that said he questioned the selection of rugby league convert Sam Burgess and inferred that Andy Farrell, an assistant to coach Stuart Lancaster, had a dominant influence in the coaching set-up. Vunipola is said to have made the comments during a charity dinner in London ahead of the Australia game.
"Hearing some rumours that I've been saying negative stuff about England. Laughable! Complete rubbish," Vunipola tweeted
In another tweet, Vunipola posted: "I would never say anything negative about the boys or staff. We gave everything we had, just wasn't enough and we all take responsibility."
Owen Farrell — Andy's son — was selected ahead of George Ford for the crucial pool matches against Wales and Australia, which were both lost by England.
"Was a player in the selection meeting now, was he?" Andy Farrell said on Monday, reacting to the story about Vunipola. "That's not how the process works. The four of us as coaches get together and we have discussions on selection. You all put your two pennies' worth in and ultimately Stuart makes the call, and we all buy into that.
"We've all been unanimous how we go about selection."
Lancaster said on Sunday that he had the final say on selection.
Lancaster's job is on the line, but he has been given backing by a fellow coach who helped mastermind England's exit from the World Cup.
"I have a huge amount of respect for what he has done since he took over in terms of the discipline and the way the players conduct themselves," Wales coach Warren Gatland said. "As a coach you learn from adversity, and if he gets an opportunity to continue he will learn from this, and it's a massive moment for him as a coach."
An emotional Farrell also thrust his support behind Lancaster.
"He's the proudest Englishman and the hardest-working Englishman I have ever met," Farrell said. "It's been a privilege to work for such a caring guy."
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.