D-DAY: Brian Ashton's destiny could be decided today after his England team had a very mixed 6 Nations

Twickenham top brass today assembled for a meeting that could ultimately decide Brian Ashton's future as England head coach.

The Rugby Football Union management board gathered to hear Rob Andrew's review of the 2008 RBS 6 Nations campaign, when England finished second - their best performance since 2003.

RFU elite rugby director Andrew will present a report that comes just three months after he completed his detailed assessment of the 2007 World Cup performances and recommended Ashton, plus his coaching lieutenants John Wells and Mike Ford, continue in their posts.

The giant figure of former England captain Martin Johnson, though, is now lurking.

Johnson, England's victorious 2003 World Cup captain, met with Andrew last week to discuss a possible managerial role.

Ashton has long coveted a team manager to work within the England set-up, yet someone who would have administrative responsibilities, rather than a say in major issues like selection.

Ashton's preferred choice is thought to be former Bath and England captain Phil de Glanville, but it is inconceivable Johnson would accept such a job without having key decision-making powers covering areas like team selection and appointing coaches.

Should Andrew recommend Johnson's appointment - and it is approved by the management board - then Ashton could find himself behind the eight-ball.

While Andrew could recommend Ashton continues as head coach, Ashton is likely to find it impossible working as part of a structure that also includes Johnson.

Whatever unfolds at Twickenham today - there is no guarantee that decisions will be reached before the planned close around 5pm - Ashton has been treated shabbily.

Despite leading England to second-placed finishes in the World Cup and Six Nations, there is an RFU faction that do no want him in charge.

Not one word of public praise has emanated from Twickenham congratulating Ashton on recent achievements, with all post-Six Nations debate revolving around Johnson.

Johnson, a captain colossus and one of world rugby's all-time greats, has no coaching or rugby managerial experience.

He has also been away from Test rugby's front-line since playing his final international match - the 2003 World Cup final against Australia in Sydney.

Former England prop Jeff Probyn has expressed grave reservations about the RFU making a move for 38-year-old Johnson.

Probyn said: "Rob (Andrew) needs his head examined if he brings Martin Johnson in.

"He is a character and was a good captain, but a good captain of a side that had five or six captains in it.

"He has no experience of management or administration, even at club level. It would be the same as putting Lawrence Dallaglio or Will Carling in that position.

"Brian has stated he wants a manager, but not a manager as an equal on the rugby front. There is no compromise there.

"If you did put a manager like that in, then you would expect Brian to resign.'' While Ashton plays a ludicrous waiting game, considerable attention is also trained on Andrew, who recommended Ashton's appointment in December 2006, then backed him again a year later.

And today's meeting could prove a bumpy ride for the former England fly-half.

11:17am Wednesday 26th March 2008

Print   Email this   Comment