Johnson Places Trust in 'men of Good Character'

New England manager Martin Johnson has admitted that wholesale changes were required after England's recent rocky tour of New Zealand, and that he trusts every members of the new England and England Saxons squads as "men of good character".

"I don't think there is a tougher task than going to play New Zealand away," said Johnson after naming a 32-man senior squad. "What did we find out? Some of the players stood up and competed well and I think we found out something about everyone who went on that tour, and that is factored in to the squad we have named today. We were beaten in those two matches by a very good New Zealand team. We have to compete with them and become a better rugby team."

Johnson was speaking after dropping 13 players who toured New Zealand from the elite squad. In typically direct fashion, he insisted that winning matches and making England a better team were his priorities. However the allegations made against four of the players in New Zealand will continue to hang over this team and Johnson admitted that discipline and conduct would be discussed when the squad gets together in August. "There is something in the contract about that," he said. "A lot has been spoken about that after New Zealand. When we get together in August it will be one of the first things we discuss. The players will be aware of it. They will be under no illusions as to where responsibilities lie. Although the allegations were very serious, I regard the 64 players we have chosen of very good character."

Elite director of rugby Rob Andrew said that he expects to announce details of a new forwards coach by the end of the week. "We have identified who we want and made an offer. We are now discussing his release from his current contract," he said.