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Rugby Union

Former players back Johnson to succeed on world stage

16/04/2008

The appointment of Martin Johnson as England manager by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has been endorsed by a number of former players.

Rob Andrew, the RFU elite director of rugby, recommended Johnson as the ideal candidate to take England forward.

The former fly-half was also a team-mate of Johnson's in the national team and believes his determination and eye for detail will help England continue to progress.

He said: "I am delighted Martin is joining the England structure as team manager. He will bring a new and fresh approach to team development and preparation in his own inimitable style."

Former Leicester and England team-mate Rory Underwood also feels Johnson's appointment has come at the right time for the national team.

Although Johnson has little experience as a coach Underwood says the World Cup-winner has all the necessary characteristics to be a success on the international stage.

Underwood told the Daily Telegraph: "He's [Johnson] very much got his own ideas on how things should be played and organised.

"He was not just a captain who worries about what the forwards do. He will worry about the whole game and is knowledgeable about the game."

While explaining the change of management structure Andrew took time to praise the achievements of Johnson's predecessor, Brian Ashton.

Andrew said Ashton deserved "enormous credit" for getting England to the World Cup final in Paris last year and hoped he would accept a role within the national academy.

He said: "Whilst Brian is naturally disappointed that he will not have a role in the new senior structure, I believe the new post that we have offered him as head coach of the national academy is ideally suited to his special talents and expertise."