The English Rugby Football Union today refused to comment on a report Martin Johnson has "agreed in principle" to take over as England team manager.
The RFU says it will not comment on what it terms "rumour and speculation".
A report in today's London
Timessuggests Johnson's appointment could be ratified next
week.
England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain has been linked with a managerial role for the past fortnight.
Meetings have taken place between Johnson and the RFU's elite rugby director Rob Andrew about an appointment that would require formal RFU management board approval.
The London Timessay Johnson would take up a position after this summer's two-Test tour of New Zealand. England face the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch on June 14 and 21.
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