Corry, England captain in the Six Nations Championship when Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson were injured, believes the country's top clubs should have the courage of their own convictions rather than simply scouring this summer's Lions tour for clues.

Despite the recent appointment of Australian Pat Howard as head coach of his club Leicester Tigers, Corry is adamant any rush for all things Antipodean is not necessarily the best way forward.

He said: "If you start copying sides and saying this is what New Zealand do, then you are always going to be playing catch-up.

"From a club's point of view there are things we can learn but you have to be innovative yourself.

"There are some excellent coaches in this country and some excellent coaches overseas - it is not about the nationality it is about the personality."

However Corry did admit he was enjoying working with Howard and hailed the influence of some overseas coaches - including All Blacks chief and former Wales coach Graham Henry.

Corrie added on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "Pat came over here and even when he was a player he changed the way we were looking at ourselves.

"We are taking a huge amount from these guys and if you look at what Graham Henry and Steve Hansen did for Wales, what we are seeing now is largely the fruits of their labour."