Andy gomarsall backs martin johnson for top england rugby job

By Simon Hayes on April 9, 2008 8:30 PM |

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MARTIN JOHNSON is the man to lead the revival of English rugby, according to one of his former international team-mates.

Harlequins star Andy Gomarsall thinks Johnson, who skippered England to World Cup glory in 2003, is perfect to take on a manager’s role – and he could work with current coach Brian Ashton.

“I think he would be fantastic,” he said. “His rugby cv is the best so he would be awesome."

“Brian was part of the coaching set-up when Martin was captain and under Clive Woodward he was backs coach. I don’t think that would be an issue at all.

“The quicker we get clarification on what’s going on the better. I don’t really understand quite why it’s taking so long and it must be very difficult for Brian and it’s a shame.”

Gomarsall starred at scrum-half for England during their run to the World Cup final last October but lost his place during the Six Nations championship. The 33-year-old still hopes to claim a place on this summer’s tour to New Zealand.

“I’ll never give up on it,” he said. “I’d love to go to New Zealand. It’s such a difficult place to go and win. Having that challenge is what we’re all about as rugby players – to pit yourself against one of the best teams in the world. It’s a mecca of rugby over there.”

And Gomarsall tips his team-mate, fellow scrum-half Danny Care, to be on the plane.

He said: “I think there are some young guys coming through now who will get the opportunity.

“I hope Danny goes, he deserves to. There’s no better place to learn. You’re in the thick of it against the best, so it will be great for him if he does go.”

Gomarsall was speaking at the City Scrum touch-rugby tournament, held at the Honourable Artillery Grounds in Moorgate last Thursday (April 3). Teams, coached by current Harlequins stars, included Wharf companies Reuters, HSBC and Credit Suisse.

Reuters coach, England B second-row forward Jim Evans, was impressed with what he saw.

He said: “It’s been great. There was some really good rugby played and the lads really enjoyed it. We gave a few tips and they took it on board. It was good fun.”

Any potential team-mates in the Reuters squad?

“Not really!” said the 27-year-old. “No, there were one or two. I think they play for their pub teams so there were some good boys.”

The competition was won by JP Morgan, narrowly beating Norton Rose in the final. JP Morgan skipper David Allen was delighted with the win.

He said: “To win was really good. It’s been a fantastic tournament. It’s a great idea and we’ll definitely be back next year.”

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk