Johnson too late to tempt former Leicester coach Howard with England role

Ireland's attempt to import the 34-year-old Australian in succession to Eddie O'Sullivan was followed by an approach from Martin Johnson to fill the vacancy in England's new management team as backs coach.

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For Howard, who took his wife and four children, all under the age of five, back to Australia at the end of last season, the approaches came a year too late.

"I have chatted to people from Ireland and England but they were only preliminary conversations, nothing more," he said.

"Both were extremely flattering. Don't get me wrong, the selfish part of me would love to have considered them but the five members of my family would not have been overly-keen.

'Timing is everything. I appreciate what opportunities are being passed up but sometimes you have to have a shot at something else. I made a decision to take a different path. We are very happy to be back in Brisbane. It's a matter of geography."

After three seasons at Leicester, Howard, the Australian Rugby Union's high performance manager at the last World Cup, is pursuing a new career in property.

"Martin Johnson is a good guy and a good mate for whom I have a lot of respect," he said.

"I've told him that if I can help in any way in terms of bouncing ideas, I'd be only too happy."

Howard also applauded Declan Kidney's imminent appointment as Ireland coach.

"Declan will do a wonderful job,' he said. "His results with Munster proves he knows how to get teams up for big games."