I heard Martin Johnson is lined up to be the next England Manager (Rugby)?

Question

The press are apparently releasing it on Saturday. Is this true?

Answer 1

It's been whispered down under for days. But the reports are not clear as to the exact role he will play and under whose guidance.

He will be great for the team, but I think he is a bit short on coaching experience. Also, I doubt he is the appropriate medicine for that which ails England.

When will England give the young totally up for it guys like Strettle, Tait, Cipriani, Flood etc, a chance to run free and score tries? God knows they can.

I doubt Mr Johnson has the first clue on how to beat rush D.

But . . . he may buy some time for Ashton to sort himself out and get England performing at the level of test match rugby that everyone expects of England.

Answer 2

Speculation my Friend.....but my, if it's true, good news for England. If this ex- captain skills has anything to go by......he will make a brilliant manager.......bring on DALLAGLIO as well, and you have winning combination!

They both have proven they have inspiration and can turn a game around!

Answer 3

Welshchick echoes my very strong feeling : these two great forwards were a shining inspiration to England and I think their sporting aggression would be great for today's team.  Not that Mark Regan doesn't have it all and is a wonderful player, but he too often looks dirty !!  (Unusual for an Irishmen).

Answer 4

I sincerely doubt it.

He was rumoured to be in the running when Clive Woodward's replacement was being sought, and he excluded HIMSELF saying he didn't want the position.  Since then he's gone into commentary and other passtimes, but his conviction that he doesn't want to be the England Manager seems to be as strong as ever.

Answer 5

well its just speculation at the moment,but if it does come off then all the better for english rugby.

Answer 6

There are rumours that negotiations are at an advanced stage. He would come in as a team manager working with current coach Brian Ashton.

Nothing about a press release has been heard as of yet.

Answer 7

To have him running the show would be a bad move as he doesnt have the experience. But to have him on the coaching staff would be brilliant for English rugby. Just having him on the sidelines would fire the lads up. I think I just heard that he would be bringing Austin Healy with him as well.

Now if they can get big Lawrence on board as well then that sounds like a potentially excellent set up

Answer 8

They said on the radio that Brian Ashton is still the manager and Martin has come in as a sort of assitant/coach not sure if he's higher up than ashton or not, but he could be what we need.

Answer 9

English rugby is on a downward spiral. Within the next 3 years, Wales will be the number one Rugby nation in the world.