The Rugby Football Union has announced that Stuart Lancaster has stepped down as England head coach by mutual consent.

The 46-year-old has resigned after the Red Rose failed to qualify from their pool at the Rugby World Cup for the first time, while also becoming the first host nation to suffer that fate since the tournament began.

Lancaster took interim charge following the 2011 World Cup before being appointed England coach on a full-time basis in April 2012, and went on to guide the team to four second-place finishes in the Six Nations, while winning 28 of his 46 Test matches in charge.

"I am obviously extremely saddened to finish the way we did in this World Cup and to step down from the role. As I have always said, I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament," Lancaster said in a statement on the RFU's official website.

"I did, however, want to take part in the review to ensure I understood the views of others before making a decision. The reality is that, while many aspects of the review were very positive, we didn't achieve success on the field when it mattered and we all have to take responsibility for that but me especially as head coach.

"I took on the role in difficult circumstances and it has been a huge challenge to transition the team with many hurdles along the way. However, I am immensely proud of the development of this team and I know that there is an incredibly strong foundation for them to progress to great things in the future."

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie added: "The Rugby World Cup was hugely disappointing for everyone associated with the England team and the subsequent review into the team's performance was always intended to be extremely comprehensive, which it has been.

"Stuart has been fully involved and has given feedback as well as the other coaches, players, management and a wide variety of people from around the game. Following the review, Stuart and I met, where we agreed that he should step down as head coach. This was subsequently ratified by the RFU Board."

Reports have suggested that Australia coach Michael Cheika has been lined up to succeed Lancaster.