Johnson reportedly close to taking on England rugby role

LONDON (AFP) — Martin Johnson, the man who captained England to their 2003 World Cup win, was reported Friday to have agreed in principle to take charge of the bid to repeat that triumph in 2011.

According to both the BBC and The Times newspaper, Johnson has agreed to take on a far-reaching team manager's role similar to the one that former head coach Clive Woodward enjoyed in the build-up to 2003.

That would inevitably cast doubt on whether the current coach, Brian Ashton, has a future in the England set-up.

Ashton has always supported the appointment of a team manager but does not see the role including direct involvement in team selection and tactics.

Johnson, who has held several rounds of talks with the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, Rob Andrew, has reportedly said he will not get involved as a "figurehead" leader. ...