Cotton: Johnson not Andrew's choice

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Cotton, a former vice-chairman of the Rugby Football Union management board, believes head coach Brian Ashton has been treated "appallingly" after losing his job just months after leading England to the World Cup final.

"I don't think Rob Andrew (RFU elite rugby director) wanted this," he told The Sun. "He backed Brian Ashton twice after lengthy post-tournament reviews. But I believe the management board rejected the most recent submission from Andrew and ordered him to go away and get Johnson."

He added: "For some of those board members, having Johnson as manager is a PR coup.

"I don't doubt he will be strong, influential and has the respect of everyone in the game.

"However, Ashton has been treated appallingly."