Johnson Closes in on England Manager's Job

Martin Johnson, the man who held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003 as the World Cup-winning captain, has agreed in principle to become England's first manager, according to reports. Terms have still to be finalized with the Rugby Football Union but his appointment could be ratified as early as next week.

The former Leicester and Lions captain was scheduled for talks yesterday with Rob Andrew, Twickenham's elite director of rugby, with the promise of returning with his answer, one way or the other, in quick time. Negotiations will continue over the exact job description, but once agreed the move to install Johnson would first have to go for consideration to Club England before formal sanction from the RFU's management board was sought.

Should Johnson, 38, take up the post, the appointment would not begin until after England's summer tour to New Zealand because his wife, Kay, is expecting their second child in June.

The controversial move to introduce a manager to the England setup for the first time could precipitate the departure of the present head coach, Brian Ashton, and leave Twickenham seeking a replacement in the short term to take on the All Blacks on their home patch.

There will be a certain sympathy for Ashton, who despite taking England to the World Cup final last October and into second place in the Six Nations Championship may now find himself overtaken by events. Johnson would determine the make-up of the coaching staff.