Stuart Lancaster, Manu Tuilagi© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ian Ritchie has insisted recent disciplinary issues will not derail England's bid to win the Rugby World Cup.

Stuart Lancaster, the tournament hosts' coach, has ruled both Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley out of consideration following on and off-field indiscretions in recent weeks.

And while Ritchie expressed his disappointment at the situation, he does not think it will have any bearing on the morale within the squad as they prepare to kick off the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18.

"I think it's sad that the opportunity of a lifetime we've been talking about today, some of the players are going to miss it," said Ritchie.

"I don't think there's an underlying problem. The culture that's been engendered over the last three years (under Lancaster) will come through during the course of the tournament.

"I know all of the players in the squad recognise their responsibilities and what an important year this has been. It is the ultimate in terms of our sport.

"I don't think anything that's occurred dilutes that, one jot."

Leicester centre Tuilagi will not be considered by Lancaster until January 2016 after being fined for two counts of assaulting a police officer, assault by beating and causing criminal damage.

Northampton Saints hooker, Hartley, meanwhile, was banned for four weeks for headbutting Saracens hooker Jamie George, who has replaced him in the squad. Hartley has been hit with 54 weeks of sanctions in a career punctuated by indisicipline. 

Jonny Wilkinson, the hero of England's win in the 2003 tournament, said: "For the England squad do whatever helps the team and helps yourself.

"There are some things which clearly stand out to not working to that guideline."