Irish block Johnno bid to appoint Smith as his backs coach

Martin Johnson's bid to appoint Brian Smith as England backs coach has been blocked by his club.

London Irish confirmed today they have rejected an approach from the Rugby Football Union for their director of rugby.

It is unknown whether the former Ireland and Australia international was interested in the post under England's new team manager, but Irish insist they will not release him from his contract.

The Guinness Premiership club's chairman, Andrew Coppel, said: "We are aware of Brian Smith's ambitions to further his career at international level at some point in the future.

"However, he is contracted to London Irish for another year and our intention is that the contract will be honoured. The club's board considered the official request and rejected it."

As well as Smith , veteran London Irish centre Mike Catt and former Leicester back Austin Healey have been linked with the backs coach vacancy.

England have been without a specialist in the role since Brian Ashton was promoted to head coach in December 2006.

Ashton continued to coach the backs as part of his duties, but his departure under the Johnson regime left a gap which needed filling.