Johnson named new England rugby team manager
17th April, 2008
Martin Johnson has been named as the new England rugby team manager, signing a contract that runs to the end of 2011. He will assume full control after 1st July, as his wife is expecting their second child. The previous head coach Brian Ashton has been removed as head coach.
The world-cup winning captain has full control of the team, including squad selection and the selection of his own coaching team. Rob Andrew, elite rugby director, will lead the tour of New Zealand in June, assisted by coaches Mike Ford and John Wells.
Ashton has been offered the top role at the Rugby Football Union’s National Academy, a job which he had before taking up the England role. He is yet to decide whether or not he will accept the role since his disappointing treatment after guiding the England squad to the World Cup final and second place in the Six Nations, their highest finish in five years.
England are best odds of 16/1 (with Totesport) to win the next World Cup under Johnson, and favourites to win the Six Nations at 2/1. Find the best England odds using our odds comparison site.
By Chris M
