Martin Johnson's bid to appoint Brian Smith as England backs coach has been blocked by his club.

London Irish confirmed today they have rejected an approach from the Rugby Football Union for their director of rugby.

It is unknown whether the former Ireland and Australia international was interested in the post under England's new team manager, but Irish insist they will not release him from his contract.

The Guinness Premiership club's chairman, Andrew Coppel, said: "We are aware of Brian Smith's ambitions to further his career at international level at some point in the future.

"However, he is contracted to London Irish for another year and our intention is that the contract will be honoured. The club's board considered the official request and rejected it."

As well as Smith , veteran London Irish centre Mike Catt and former Leicester back Austin Healey have been linked with the backs coach vacancy.

England have been without a specialist in the role since Brian Ashton was promoted to head coach in December 2006.

Ashton continued to coach the backs as part of his duties, but his departure under the Johnson regime left a gap which needed filling.

Meanwhile, rugby chiefs today dismissed claims that England players could strike over a pay row and threaten the summer tour to New Zealand.

Those close to the talks for a new contract between the Rugby Football Union and the players insist talks are moving swiftly to a conclusion and that there is no threat of a strike.

The deal which sees England players receive £9,000 per match expires after the New Zealand trip but the main sticking point over the next three-year contract is the RFU's belief that part of the fee should be based on results.

Wasps director of rugby, Ian McGeechan was today confirmed as the head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa next summer. It will be the Scot's fifth tour in charge of the Lions and he is expected to be assisted by Wasps' Shaun Edwards.