Johnson trumpets new era

Exciting times: Johnson keen to make things work between RFU and clubs

Martin Johnson ushered in a new era on Tuesday designed to restore crisis-hit England to the summit of world rugby.

An abysmal tour of New Zealand has tarnished England's reputation on and off the field, the latest chapter in a horrendous period dating back to 2004.

Last autumn's surprise appearance in the World Cup final has been the only highlight since Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in 2003, and the revered former captain has returned in the guise of Team Manager to oversee the revival.

To assist him, a new agreement with the twelve Premiership clubs comes into effect today - giving unprecedented access to players.

Members of the senior England squad can now be away for up to fourteen weeks of the season in uninterrupted blocks, with the clubs receiving £146,250 per man in compensation.

A daunting autumn schedule that features fixtures against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand awaits. But Johnson has detected a determination to succeed that spans all levels of the game.

"This is a new era for English rugby, with the agreement between the clubs and RFU coming into effect," he said.

"It's an exciting time. I've spoken to all the Directors of Rugby already and will be meeting with them over the next month.

"They're positive and excited about the future. The mood has become 'let's get this thing going'.

"Everyone knows we need a strong Premiership, and the whole of rugby needs England to be playing well to establish a feel-good factor.

"Both sides need each other, and I can sense everyone wants to make this work."

Johnson marked his first day as England's new supremo by unveiling an exciting 32-strong Elite Player Squad that he claims points to a healthy future.

Wasps centre Riki Flutey, who qualifies in September on residency grounds, and Leicester duo Jordan Crane and Dan Hipkiss are among the players who will meet for training in August.

Johnson also displayed a ruthless streak by announcing two headline casualties, with World Cup winners Mike Tindall and Ben Kay relegated to the Saxons squad.

Neither player excelled in New Zealand - Tindall was particularly disappointing - while Johnson had no compunction in including former New Zealand Maori international Flutey.

Back-rowers Nick Easter and Joe Worsley also found themselves in the Saxons squad, while Charlie Hodgson was jettisoned completely following his All Black horror show.

"We have a good squad of players. We face a very tough autumn series, and there is no hiding place," said Johnson.

"Riki Flutey has had a fantastic year and he's there on merit as a player.

"In the world of rugby, most teams have guys who are not born in that country.

"It's what they do on and off the field for that team that earns them respect, not where they're born or what their passport says.

"The exclusion of Tindall and Kay is not a reflection of their performances in New Zealand."

Fans have despaired at England's crippling lack of ingenuity with the ball but will be heartened by the imminent appointment of a new attack coach, expected to be London Irish's Brian Smith.

Johnson's very presence is expected to invigorate English rugby, but the former Leicester lock knows he will he judged on results alone.

"I'm aware of the perception of what I'm expected to bring to the job, but ultimately it comes down to how well we play on the pitch," he said.

"That's what I'll be judged on. I'm here to make this team better and to improve each player."

The introduction of the IRB's new Experimental Law Variations, thirteen of which will be in force by the time England face the Pacific Islands in the first of November's four Investec Challenge matches, is also a factor that Johnson has had to consider.

"Some of the changes, especially those to the lineout, will change the type of player you have to put on the field," added Johnson.

"There were probably about 40 players in contention for the senior squad so with only 32 places the remainder have to drop into the Saxons."

After watching England twice at the hands of the All Blacks last month, Johnson is aware that he has some ground to make up if England are to be in with a chance of victory in November, when England will face three of the four teams ranked above them (Australia, South Africa and New Zealand).

"Ultimately I'm responsible for how England perform on the pitch. My goal is to win games of rugby. You're judged by results on the field, it's as simple as that," said Johnson.

"It was disappointing to see an England team getting well beaten but at the same time, some players stood up and competed pretty well at the top level. We found out something about everyone and that's been reflected in our selection.

"All the players on that tour now know what it is like to play international rugby at the toughest level, it's not going to get any more difficult that the second Test in New Zealand."

Johnson also hopes to have his coaching structure in place shortly with game by game consistency one of his main objectives.

"I hope we will be able to announce the name of the England attack coach as soon as possible to add to and complete the existing England senior coaching team," he said.

"Moving forward, we need to bring some continuity to what we're doing as a side on the field. We need to decide who our players are who can handle the pressure and back them and be very clear on how we're going to play.

"It all comes down to performance, performances create wins. If we can get that right against the likes of Australia and South Africa, and if are clear on players' roles and we get our team spirit working then we're in with a chance."