RFU set to turn to Johnson

Johnson: Hoists aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2003

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World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson could be set for a key management role within the Rugby Football Union.

Johnson's name has been consistently linked to joining the England set-up, however it now appears those rumours have moved closer to reality.

The RFU's elite director Rob Andrew has already held preliminary talks with Johnson about his possible involvement, while Peter Wheeler, the Leicester chief executive and board director of Premier Rugby, has given the former Tigers forward his endorsement.

Wheeler was quoted in the Mail on Sunday as saying: "Martin is a serious rugby person and has a part to play in professional rugby in one guise or the other.

"I think he will be involved in serious rugby matters. What the role will be and when it starts is just a matter of time.

Frustrated

"Martin has moved to the point where he wants to get into something seriously.

"Martin was frustrated by the early England performances at the recent World Cup. He feels he can do something to help the situation."

Former England team-mate Andrew has been handed the task of holding a review into the World Cup performance and current coach Brian Ashton's tenure.

And with that in mind, Andrew has refused to comment on any speculation linking Johnson to a newly-created position as England team manager.

He said: "I'm conducting the review and when I'm ready to make comments on the review, I'll let everyone know."