RFU silent over Johnson

The Rugby Football Union has refused to comment on reports claiming Martin Johnson has agreed "in principle" to become England's team manager.

The former Leicester lock was captain when England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and he is regularly linked with a role in the team's coaching set-up.

Johnson has no coaching experience but he has held recent meetings with Rob Andrew, the RFU's elite rugby director, increasing speculation that an appointment is imminent.

It is not clear how Johnson's appointment might affect the position of England's head coach Brian Ashton, who has always wanted to work alongside a manager who operated as an administrator.

However, reports suggest Johson would have control over team selection and the coaching appointments.

England play the Barbarians on June 1 then travel to New Zealand for two Tests, but Johnson is not expected to take up a position on the staff until the squad returns.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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