Johnson snubs England coaching role

It is understood that Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson made his intentions clear during a business trip to Dubai this week that he is not interested in replacing Andy Robinson as England coach.

Johnson, who retired as a player in 2004, is enjoying his promotional and sponsorship work and is not ready for a return to rugby.

It is understood he thinks there are candidates available who are better qualified to turn around England’s fortunes.

Robinson stood down as head coach after last weekend’s defeat to South Africa, England’s eighth loss in nine Tests.

Johnson this week dismissed reports linking him with the England job as “speculation” and “rumour”.

“I am not going to walk into the dressing room and wave a magic wand. These things don’t happen like that,” Johnson told the Rugby Times.

“If you want to be involved as a coach, fine, be involved as a coach. But I am not doing that at the moment. I am not coaching at any level.

“They (England) have got guys in place there and they need to be given a little bit of time to try to get it done. I have honestly got no plans to get back into rugby at the moment.”