Rob Andrew faces axe if he fails to appoint Martin Johnson

Rob Andrew has been warned that he faces the axe from his highly-paid role as the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director if he fails to appoint Martin Johnson as England's new team manager.

Andrew will offer to give Johnson whatever it takes this week to secure his signature on a long-term deal that will have massive ramifications for the England coaching set-up.

Head coach Brian Ashton will host a post-Six Nations media reception at Twickenham tonight, adamant that he still has the final say on who becomes team manager following an assurance from Andrew.

However, pressure from the RFU management board - who have told Andrew he must now secure Johnson's signature - has forced the elite director to go back on his word.

If Johnson's appointment relegates Ashton to merely a man who has to defer to the manager on selection, tactics and the hiring and firing of staff, then the coach will have to go.

It is understood that the management board have made it clear to Andrew that he must come up with Johnson and a coherent path forward for the England team.

Another failure would undermine Andrew's position and the board are in no mood for excuses.