Martin Johnson has quit as England team manager following weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
Johnson’s position had been under review following a disappointing World Cup, with his contract due to expire in December.
The former Lions skipper had been asked to confirm if we wished to continue in his role, with the Rugby Football Union and the Professional Game Board both currently completing reviews of England’s quarter-final exit in New Zealand.
Johnson had been expected to carry on with changes to his back up team of John Wells, Brian Smith, Mike Ford and Graham Rowntree but the 41-year-old has instead decided to walk away from the job he began in 2008.
The ex-Leicester second row led England to a first RBS 6 Nations Championship crown in eight seasons earlier this year but defeat to France in the last eight of the World Cup had seen growing pressure on his position.
He finishes with a win rate of 55.3 per cent after 21 victories in 38 games, with one draw and 16 defeats.
The RFU have called a press conference for 4pm today in which director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is expected to confirm Johnson’s decision to step down.
