Why we'll wait for Johnson

The World Cup-winning captain from 2003 is due for talks this week with Rob Andrew, the RFU's director of elite rugby, with the aim of resolving what has become an almost farcical review process of coach Brian Ashton's team after the Six Nations.

Scroll down to read more

While Andrew was accused of 'making life very awkward' for Ashton, the RFU will give Johnson all the time and space he needs to decide rather than risk losing him.

England's next match is against the Barbarians on June 1, followed by two tour internationals later that month against the All Blacks.

Johnson's wife, Kay, is due to give birth to their second child that month in what has been a difficult pregnancy and Andrew has been told by the RFU management board to tread softly in discussions with Johnson, following his return from a family holiday in the UK.

A planned meeting between them was postponed a fortnight ago when Johnson's wife needed urgent hospital treatment.

When they meet this week, Johnson is expected to be given Andrew's carte blanche approval to recruit his own coaching team if he decides to accept one of world rugby's most coveted appointments.

Johnson's lack of coaching experience and qualifications is not an issue.

As one Twickenham source said yesterday: "Martin Johnson is a rugby colossus and we want him whatever it takes."

Despite giving Johnson a fully hands-on role that could make him an even more powerful supremo than Sir Clive Woodward became in his time at Twickenham, the RFU's management board are hopeful that Ashton and England coaches John Wells and Mike Ford will keep their jobs.

Scroll down to read more

Ashton's media appearances have not impressed everyone at Twickenham, but the management hope he will stay on board despite what is believed to be difficult relations between him, Wells, Ford and the players.

One insider said yesterday: "There has to be a lot of swallowing of pride by Ashton. But I can see Johnson and Ashton working very well together. Brian has massive skills, rugby nous and intellect.

"We know the chemistry between the current coaches is wrong. It has rubbed off on the players, but Johnson's arrival could change all that."

Andrew, however, is the next man whose position has come under scrutiny, this time from former England coach Geoff Cook, who picked him as a flyhalf in the Nineties.

A member of the Club England committee and chief executive of National League One, Cooke has expressed his disappointment with Andrew's performance in the 19 months since his appointment on a £350,000 salary.

"People, I know, expected Rob to be more hands-on as England supremo," said Cooke.

"We wanted him as a front man, directing things, with overall responsibility for England team selection. That clearly hasn't happened.

"I thought Rob's remit was to take overall charge, but he seems to have distanced himself from running the team, which is strange. To be honest, I'm not sure what he is doing.

"It must be a very awkward for Brian Ashton at the moment. He deserves better than this. If Martin Johnson gets involved, he has to have overall control. Brian is an excellent coach. I believe a Johnson-Ashton union is workable."