Thomas lends backing to Johnson

Thomas lends backing to Johnson

The Rugby Football Union's acting chief executive Martyn Thomas has insisted he still has confidence in Martin Johnson and denied he ever called for the return of Clive Woodward.

Johnson's position is under scrutiny following England's poor World Cup campaign, which was undermined by off-field problems. His contract comes to an end at the end of the year and he is yet to tell the RFU whether he wants to be considered for re-appointment.

"He was never ever set a deadline, it was merely an informal situation, as and when you've made a decision as to whether you wish to carry on or not, let us know," Thomas told Radio Five Live. "I've not actually spoken to him since he left New Zealand but I have left him a message on his phone.

"He's had a torrid World Cup, a lot of it not of his making. I've always expressed confidence in Martin. I believed he was the right appointment. I accept the fact he didn't have the coaching experience, but it was about getting a man in who could manage the process, who understood the process and would appoint the right coaches. I will wait and see what the review says. That's my position."

A number of reviews into the World Cup failure have been commissioned, one by the Professional Game Board (PGB) and a second led by former England international Fran Cotton.

The Rugby Players' Association is collating feedback from the England squad - it said it has received information from approximately 80% of it so far - and feeding it into the PGB review. The RPA said the deadline for feedback was the end of October.

They added in a statement: "The players have been extremely honest in their assessment of the unsuccessful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign and they are adamant that England must be in the right shape mentally, physically and technically to mount a credible challenge to the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

Thomas insisted it had "never been his position" to bring Woodward, who led the team to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003, back. He said: "The media have said I wanted to bring Clive Woodward back to Twickenham.

"That is not my position, and it has never been my position. What I have said is that we should openly advertise and we should interview people. If at the end of the interview process Clive Woodward is the right man because he ticks the boxes for the interview panel, they believe him the right man, then he should be appointed.

"If that panel interviews him and decides he's not the right man he should not be appointed."

In the search for his successor, Thomas revealed he was hoping an appointment would be recommended to the RFU board on December 14.

Former England international Simon Halliday confirmed he had not applied for the position. "I applied for the role last year, which is a matter of public record," he said. "The simple fact is the job spec for the new CEO certainly would exclude me for the criteria they've put in which is a FTSE 350 executive with significant commercial experience and retail experience. Clearly that's not me."

Thomas lends backing to Johnson

Thomas lends backing to Johnson

The Rugby Football Union's acting chief executive Martyn Thomas has insisted he still has confidence in Martin Johnson and denied he ever called for the return of Clive Woodward.

Johnson's position is under scrutiny following England's poor World Cup campaign, which was undermined by off-field problems. His contract comes to an end at the end of the year and he is yet to tell the RFU whether he wants to be considered for re-appointment.

"He was never ever set a deadline, it was merely an informal situation, as and when you've made a decision as to whether you wish to carry on or not, let us know," Thomas told Radio Five Live. "I've not actually spoken to him since he left New Zealand but I have left him a message on his phone.

"He's had a torrid World Cup, a lot of it not of his making. I've always expressed confidence in Martin. I believed he was the right appointment. I accept the fact he didn't have the coaching experience, but it was about getting a man in who could manage the process, who understood the process and would appoint the right coaches. I will wait and see what the review says. That's my position."

A number of reviews into the World Cup failure have been commissioned, one by the Professional Game Board (PGB) and a second led by former England international Fran Cotton.

The Rugby Players' Association is collating feedback from the England squad - it said it has received information from approximately 80% of it so far - and feeding it into the PGB review. The RPA said the deadline for feedback was the end of October.

They added in a statement: "The players have been extremely honest in their assessment of the unsuccessful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign and they are adamant that England must be in the right shape mentally, physically and technically to mount a credible challenge to the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

Thomas insisted it had "never been his position" to bring Woodward, who led the team to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003, back. He said: "The media have said I wanted to bring Clive Woodward back to Twickenham.

"That is not my position, and it has never been my position. What I have said is that we should openly advertise and we should interview people. If at the end of the interview process Clive Woodward is the right man because he ticks the boxes for the interview panel, they believe him the right man, then he should be appointed.

"If that panel interviews him and decides he's not the right man he should not be appointed."

In the search for his successor, Thomas revealed he was hoping an appointment would be recommended to the RFU board on December 14.

Former England international Simon Halliday confirmed he had not applied for the position. "I applied for the role last year, which is a matter of public record," he said. "The simple fact is the job spec for the new CEO certainly would exclude me for the criteria they've put in which is a FTSE 350 executive with significant commercial experience and retail experience. Clearly that's not me."

Thomas lends backing to Johnson

Thomas lends backing to Johnson

The Rugby Football Union's acting chief executive Martyn Thomas has insisted he still has confidence in Martin Johnson and denied he ever called for the return of Clive Woodward.

Johnson's position is under scrutiny following England's poor World Cup campaign, which was undermined by off-field problems. His contract comes to an end at the end of the year and he is yet to tell the RFU whether he wants to be considered for re-appointment.

"He was never ever set a deadline, it was merely an informal situation, as and when you've made a decision as to whether you wish to carry on or not, let us know," Thomas told Radio Five Live. "I've not actually spoken to him since he left New Zealand but I have left him a message on his phone.

"He's had a torrid World Cup, a lot of it not of his making. I've always expressed confidence in Martin. I believed he was the right appointment. I accept the fact he didn't have the coaching experience, but it was about getting a man in who could manage the process, who understood the process and would appoint the right coaches. I will wait and see what the review says. That's my position."

A number of reviews into the World Cup failure have been commissioned, one by the Professional Game Board (PGB) and a second led by former England international Fran Cotton.

The Rugby Players' Association is collating feedback from the England squad - it said it has received information from approximately 80% of it so far - and feeding it into the PGB review. The RPA said the deadline for feedback was the end of October.

They added in a statement: "The players have been extremely honest in their assessment of the unsuccessful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign and they are adamant that England must be in the right shape mentally, physically and technically to mount a credible challenge to the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

Thomas insisted it had "never been his position" to bring Woodward, who led the team to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003, back. He said: "The media have said I wanted to bring Clive Woodward back to Twickenham.

"That is not my position, and it has never been my position. What I have said is that we should openly advertise and we should interview people. If at the end of the interview process Clive Woodward is the right man because he ticks the boxes for the interview panel, they believe him the right man, then he should be appointed.

"If that panel interviews him and decides he's not the right man he should not be appointed."

In the search for his successor, Thomas revealed he was hoping an appointment would be recommended to the RFU board on December 14.

Former England international Simon Halliday confirmed he had not applied for the position. "I applied for the role last year, which is a matter of public record," he said. "The simple fact is the job spec for the new CEO certainly would exclude me for the criteria they've put in which is a FTSE 350 executive with significant commercial experience and retail experience. Clearly that's not me."

Cruden escapes knee surgery

All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden should be fit to start the new Super Rugby season with the Chiefs after it was confirmed that he would not require surgery on his injured knee.

The 22-year-old hyper-extended his right knee in the 34th minute of the All Blacks' 8-7 triumph over France in the Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park last weekend.

Although he could miss much of the Chiefs pre-season preparations, Cruden should have regained full fitness in time for the Chiefs' opening Super Rugby fixture against the Highlanders in Hamilton on February 25.

"Aaron saw a specialist in Auckland today who confirmed that he won't require surgery," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said. "He will have to wear a knee brace for the next three to four weeks before he gradually returns to training over the following month, and is expected to make a full recovery."

New Chiefs coach Dave Rennie added: "It will be about eight to nine weeks before he's back to full health, so that's pretty good."

Cruden escapes knee surgery

All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden should be fit to start the new Super Rugby season with the Chiefs after it was confirmed that he would not require surgery on his injured knee.

The 22-year-old hyper-extended his right knee in the 34th minute of the All Blacks' 8-7 triumph over France in the Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park last weekend.

Although he could miss much of the Chiefs pre-season preparations, Cruden should have regained full fitness in time for the Chiefs' opening Super Rugby fixture against the Highlanders in Hamilton on February 25.

"Aaron saw a specialist in Auckland today who confirmed that he won't require surgery," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said. "He will have to wear a knee brace for the next three to four weeks before he gradually returns to training over the following month, and is expected to make a full recovery."

New Chiefs coach Dave Rennie added: "It will be about eight to nine weeks before he's back to full health, so that's pretty good."

Cruden escapes knee surgery

All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden should be fit to start the new Super Rugby season with the Chiefs after it was confirmed that he would not require surgery on his injured knee.

The 22-year-old hyper-extended his right knee in the 34th minute of the All Blacks' 8-7 triumph over France in the Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park last weekend.

Although he could miss much of the Chiefs pre-season preparations, Cruden should have regained full fitness in time for the Chiefs' opening Super Rugby fixture against the Highlanders in Hamilton on February 25.

"Aaron saw a specialist in Auckland today who confirmed that he won't require surgery," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said. "He will have to wear a knee brace for the next three to four weeks before he gradually returns to training over the following month, and is expected to make a full recovery."

New Chiefs coach Dave Rennie added: "It will be about eight to nine weeks before he's back to full health, so that's pretty good."

O'Driscoll

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby.

The 32-year-old, who has started 122 of his 123 appearances for Ireland, led the Irish to the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, including a pool stages win over Australia, before they lost to rivals Wales.

And despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final four, O'Driscoll will continue playing for his country until he feels incapable of performing at the highest level.

"People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?" O'Driscoll told the Irish Times.

"It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you."

O'Driscoll cited fellow Irishman David Humphreys - who played well into his mid 30s - as an example of an older player performing at the highest level.

"David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong," he said. "That your time isn't up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.

"In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn't have a clue who you are. That's the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that's it.

"Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds."

"Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in."

O'Driscoll

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby.

The 32-year-old, who has started 122 of his 123 appearances for Ireland, led the Irish to the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, including a pool stages win over Australia, before they lost to rivals Wales.

And despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final four, O'Driscoll will continue playing for his country until he feels incapable of performing at the highest level.

"People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?" O'Driscoll told the Irish Times.

"It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you."

O'Driscoll cited fellow Irishman David Humphreys - who played well into his mid 30s - as an example of an older player performing at the highest level.

"David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong," he said. "That your time isn't up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.

"In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn't have a clue who you are. That's the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that's it.

"Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds."

"Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in."

O'Driscoll

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby.

The 32-year-old, who has started 122 of his 123 appearances for Ireland, led the Irish to the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, including a pool stages win over Australia, before they lost to rivals Wales.

And despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final four, O'Driscoll will continue playing for his country until he feels incapable of performing at the highest level.

"People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?" O'Driscoll told the Irish Times.

"It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you."

O'Driscoll cited fellow Irishman David Humphreys - who played well into his mid 30s - as an example of an older player performing at the highest level.

"David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong," he said. "That your time isn't up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.

"In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn't have a clue who you are. That's the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that's it.

"Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds."

"Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in."