England turn to Johnson

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England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain will take charge from July 1 this year, having secured a deal until December 31, 2011.

The Rugby Football Union management board unanimously approved Johnson's appointment following a meeting at Twickenham on Wednesday.

Brian Ashton ceases to be England head coach and has been offered a role as head coach of the RFU's national academy.

There is no news at this stage whether or not 61-year-old Ashton, who took charge of England for 22 Tests and led them to last autumn's World Cup final, will accept Twickenham's offer.

The RFU say 38-year-old Johnson will report to their elite rugby director, Rob Andrew, and will have "full managerial control" of the England team.

Andrew, meanwhile, is to be England's team manager for the Barbarians clash at Twickenham on June 1 and the two-Test tour of New Zealand later that month.

Existing forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford - Ashton's lieutenants this season - are to remain in their posts. The coaching team for England's two-Test New Zealand trip has been confirmed as Wells, Ford, Graham Rowntree and Jon Callard.

Johnson said: "It is a great honour for me to be offered this position. I am passionate about the England team and delivering success for it.

"While I cannot take up my position until July 1 for personal reasons (Johnson's wife Kay is pregnant) I will be working closely with Rob and the England coaching team on selection for the Barbarians match and the New Zealand tour, as well as selecting the first senior elite player squad of 32 under the new agreement between the RFU and Premier Rugby."