ENGLAND’S RFU chairman Martyn Thomas has defended Twickenham’s decision to back England manager Martin Johnson through to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Johnson’s record since he took charge ahead of the 2008 autumn internationals is eight wins from 19 Tests – a 42 per cent success rate, inferior to his immediate predecessor Brian Ashton (55 per cent) and similar to Andy Robinson’s record (41 per cent).

The RFU were criticised for their treatment of Ashton, who was relieved of his duties after England had reached the 2007 World Cup final and finished second in the 2008 Six Nations.

England were third in this year’s championship, but Thomas remains convinced the RFU have the right elite structure in place, headed by Rob Andrew, and that their new patient approach will be rewarded.

“Martin Johnson has got the management board’s complete confidence through to the World Cup,” said Thomas. “He has absolutely the total backing of the board and executive staff, everyone as far as I am concerned. He will be there to take us into New Zealand 2011.

“Just like the fans, we are disappointed in the Six Nations. For the spectators, rugby is about the last game. That is the view we have taken on the management board.

“On this occasion, Martin has put in place a good discipline within the team that, rightly or wrongly, we felt wasn’t there in the past.

“He has also demonstrated a loyalty to the players and indeed to his coaching staff. So, from where we sit we actually feel he is doing the job. I know there is a perception we have been harsh in the past, perhaps you will credit us for being gentler in the future.”

That approach also applies to Andrew, whose position as elite rugby director has come under fire following England’s disappointing Six Nations return.

Lawrence Dallaglio was critical of Andrew and said changes are needed right at the top of the elite department if England are to have aspirations of being world champions once again. Clive Woodward was championed in some quarters as a replacement for Andrew.

But Thomas said: “There are currently no vacancies in the RFU’s elite rugby department and there have been no formal or informal discussions with Clive or Jake White, who was mentioned the other day.”