Johnson appointed England manager

Martin Johnson has been appointed England team manager.

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 an meeting at Twickenham today.

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.