Martin Johnson quits as England coach

16/11/2011

England rugby coach Martin Johnson has resigned.

Those enjoying Six Nations hospitality at Twickenham in the New Year will be seeing a team marshalled by a new coach after Johnson announced his decision in a news conference today (November 16th).

"I've obviously thought long and hard about this and it's the right decision for me and the England team," said Johnson, who lifted the World Cup as captain in 2003 but was unable to repeat this success as a coach in New Zealand this year.

Director of elite rugby at the Rugby Football Union Rob Andrew said there will be a review of the whole coaching and management set-up that Johnson will contribute to before the name of his replacement is discussed.

Johnson's tenure was blighted both by on-field failure and player misbehaviour off the field, with the worst case leading to Mike Tindall being dropped from the elite squad.

Northampton coach Jim Mallinder recently revealed he would be interested in the role in the event of Johnson's position becoming vacant.

By Keith Prowse