Johnson Moves in As Ashton Heads to Academy

Martin Johnson's first press conference as England manager was over-shadowed by the Rugby Football Union's handling of his appointment. While Johnson himself was in typical form, blunt and mercifully free of bull, the Chief Executive of the RFU, Francis Baron, gave a lengthy defence of the process that has seen Brian Ashton sacked from England's top job.

Baron also confirmed that Ashton apparently doesn't share the general indignation at the manner of his removal and that the RFU expect him to take up a new job as head of the England Academy. "I spoke to Brian yesterday," Baron said, "and he has confirmed to me his interest in taking up the new position that we have offered him. I will be sitting down with Brian next week to finalize the details of the new position so that Brian can start work in his new role."

Johnson admitted he felt sorry for Ashton but preferred to stress that he was looking forward to his new challenge. "It has been very difficult and I have not felt comfortable with it at times," he observed, "I am sure it has been a lot worse for Brian and I have sympathy for him. I intend to speak to him."

That said, Johnson was clear that he felt it was "time to get some fresh blood, some new thinking into the team". He made no attempt to bluff his way through his lack of credentials for the role, "It's a fact that I've got no experience at managing or coaching at any level", Johnson stated, "but I do have 16 years worth of involvement with rugby".

"People told me I've I got a lot to lose here," Johnson continued, "but I'm not worried about my reputation. This isn't about ego, or finances, it's about getting England to play the best rugby they can." Whether he will hold true to his observation that achieving that goal is "not rocket science" is debatable. Johnson outlined his strategy as "creating the team spirit that's the key thing.

"It is about creating the environment where these guys can thrive and play. It is about team culture and I think I can be part of that. It is tremendously exciting time for English rugby. I come into this with my eyes open. I am fully aware of perceptions of me as a player. Since I retired, people have been asking 'when am I going to come back?'"

Well the waiting may be over, but the transition could hardly have been messier. "We accept in some respects that the RFU could have handled the process better and lessons have been learned," Baron commented, "However, I do not accept that Brian has not been properly dealt with overall. Brian is a highly-valued employee of the RFU," Baron continued, "We want Brian to stay as part of our elite rugby structure. We believe he has an outstanding track record in developing young talent of the future." Ashton's new role will encompass the England Saxons, Under-20 and Under-19 sides as well as the Academy, but for all it's scope his work will be done away from the glaring spotlight, which is about to be switched fully onto Johnson.