Johnson made to wait as Ashton future unclear

VICTORIOUS World Cup captain Martin Johnson remains a firm favourite to fill the role of England team manager following a Rugby Football Union meeting yesterday.

But head coach Brian Ashton still faces an uncertain future, despite leading England to second place in the 2007 World Cup and this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Johnson, skipper during England’s triumphant 2003 World Cup campaign, is a strong bet to land the lucrative managerial position, which should be worth a sizeable six-figure sum.