17 Nov 2011

Martin Johnson resigns as England manager

11:51 am on 17 November 2011

Martin Johnson has resigned after three and a half years as manager of the England rugby team.

England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain had steered the team to its first Six Nations title in eight years, but he's stepped down following England's flat performances and quarter-final exit from the Rugby World Cup last month.

Johnson's contract was due to expire at the end of next month, but he made it clear in October, after the 19-12 loss to France ended their World Cup campaign characterised by a lack of discipline on and off the pitch, that he was considering his position.

Speculation about who might replace Johnson has been clouded by internal chaos at the RFU, with acting chief executive Martyn Thomas leaving next month.