The Rugby Football Union has finally confirmed that Martin Johnson is to take over as England team manager from July 1.
Ashton offered academy role
The Rugby Football Union has finally confirmed that Martin Johnson is to take over as England team manager from July 1.
The former World Cup winning captain will not have Brian Ashton by his side after it was announced the current coach has been offered control of the national academy.
Johnson, who has been given a three-and-a-half year deal, will have full control of the England team, including the appointment of the coaching and management team as well as the player selection process.
In a statement released by the RFU following a management board meeting at Twickenham on Wednesday, Johnson confirmed forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford will continue in their roles under the new structure.
Johnson, it said, will be appointing an additional coach in due course.
Elite rugby director Rob Andrew will act as England's team manager for the Barbarians clash at Twickenham on June 1, and the two-Test tour of New Zealand later that month.
"It is a great honour for me to be offered this position," Johnson said. "I am passionate about the England team and delivering success for it.
"While I cannot take up my position until July 1 for personal reasons (Johnson's wife Kay is pregnant) I will be working closely with Rob and the England coaching team on selection for the Barbarians match and the New Zealand tour, as well as selecting the first senior elite player squad of 32 under the new agreement between the RFU and Premier Rugby."
The announcement of the new set-up marks the end of the Ashton era that saw England go all the way to the World Cup final.
However, after giving their backing to Ashton the RFU became unhappy at the inconsistent performance of the team during the Six Nations Championship, and gave Andrew the go-ahead to recruit Johnson at the expense of the former coach.
