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Johnson: Exciting times for England rugby

01/07/2008

New team manager Martin Johnson has said he is excited about the future of English rugby after naming his first elite squad.

The former World Cup winning captain, appointed earlier this year to succeed Brian Ashton at the Rugby Football Union, claimed his new-look squad would make for "exciting times for English rugby".

He also said after speaking to directors of rugby throughout the Guinness Premiership that "the mood is one of optimism", despite England's heavy defeats on the recent tour of New Zealand.

Johnson has already proved his ability to separate his playing outlook to that of a senior coach - dropping his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mates Ben Kay and Mike Tindall from the elite player squad.

"Leaving out the likes of Nick Easter, Ben Kay and Mike Tindall was a very tough call," Johnson said.

"But we have to pick a team for today. We know what we want to do on the field and we’ve picked players that we think can deliver.

"We also need guys who can be part of the matchday 22. We have to select the bench from the squad, players that can make an impact, so that's been a consideration too."

A surprise inclusion in the elite squad is New Zealand-born Wasps centre Riki Flutey, who becomes eligible for England in September due to residency.

And Johnson said he has earned a place in the squad due to his club form over the last 12 months.

"We've known about Riki's eligibility for the last six months or so, so he's always been in the picture," Johnson explained.

"He had a fantastic year last season and he deserves to be included on merit."

England's first match under Johnson's stewardship will be against the Pacific Islands in November in the first of four autumn internationals.

Johnson's side will also face three of the four sides in the world ranked above England - New Zealand, Australia and South Africa - in a tough-looking run of fixtures.

"Moving forward, we need to bring some continuity to what we’re doing as a side on the field," he continued.

"We need to decide who our players are who can handle the pressure and back them and be very clear on how we're going to play.

"It all comes down to performance - performances create wins.

"If we can get that right against the likes of Australia and South Africa, and if are clear on players' roles and we get our team spirit working then we're in with a chance."