Johnson coy on return to Wales

Scott Johnson, the creative force behind Wales's grand slam win in 2005 but one of the architects of their defeat on Saturday, may be heading north again, possibly to Cardiff, although not necessarily to Wales. He may make the move before the end of the year because, win or lose in the World Cup, the Australia backroom team is breaking up, with the head coach, John Connolly, determined to retire. The New Zealander Robbie Deans is being lined up to replace Connolly but that would leave in doubt Johnson's role as attack coach.

Asked if that meant a return to Wales, where he was national coach after Mike Ruddock's departure during the 2006 Six Nations, Johnson said: "I've always said that I had a great time here, but that's for others to determine. If it doesn't happen in rugby it might be just to live, but that's further down the track." Others in the Australia coaching party were less circumspect: "It's not the best-kept secret that Scott wants to return."

When Ruddock parted company the WRU, prompted by the demands of the Wales players, moved heaven and earth to keep Johnson. However, he had personal issues back home, which are now settled.Although he has sold his home in Wales, his partner has kept hers. The major hurdle to a return is that she now enjoys living in New South Wales but, if Johnson is out of work in November, the move north will become more inviting.

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