International
Ashton future decided
ENGLAND head coach Brian
Ashton will discover his fate
today when Rob Andrew presents
his RBS 6 Nations review
to the Rugby Football Union's
management board.
Ashton's position has been the
subject of intense speculation as
critics question his ability to
lead England, despite their second-
place finish in the championship.
His future has been complicated
by reports that Andrew,
the RFU's director of elite rugby,
has been engaged in talks with
Martin Johnson over the creation
of an all-powerful role.
The appointment of England's
2003 World Cup-winning captain,
39, would receive universal
approval; a lack of experience in
the position counts against him.
Johnson's presence would also
impinge on Ashton, because the
two-time Lions captain would
demand an input in or control of
selection and tactics and spurn
the offer of a figurehead role.
Since Ashton's elevation to
head coach in December 2006, he
has requested the aid of a manager
but has also made it clear
the man chosen should operate
in the background and not be involved
in decision-making.
The 61-year-old even stated he
would not want a personality
such as Johnson involved, so any
such move would force him to reconsider
his position - even if
Andrew wanted to keep him
board.
The make-up of the coaching
team is also an area of concern,
which is sure to be highlighted
this morning when the management
board convene to discuss
Andrew's report.
Assistants John Wells and
Mike Ford were in place when
Ashton succeeded Andy Robinson
and talk of disunity among
the trio persists.
Lurking on the periphery and
offering another possible avenue
to Andrew is Jake White, South
Africa's World Cup-winning
coach who is available and has
repeatedly expressed his interest
in the England job.
Austin Healey, another former
player with no tracksuit experience,
has also been mentioned as
a possible addition, although his
role as a backs coach would
clash with Ashton's expertise.
A further sub-text to discussions
is Andrew's own position.
It was Twickenham's rugby
supremo who initially appointed
Ashton and then backed him
again with a one-year rolling
contract, after England had
reached the World Cup final.
Were Andrew to dispense with
or demote Ashton at this stage,
it would inevitably reflect on his
own judgement.
Former England prop and RFU
committee member Jeff Probyn
questions Johnson's suitability
and the subsequent impact his
appointment would have.
Rob needs his head examined
if he recommends bringing Martin
Johnson in,'' he said. He has
no experience of management or
administration, even at club
level. Brian has stated he wants
a manager, but not a manager as
an equal on the rugby front.
There is no compromise there.''
11:00am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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