Martin Johnson has revealed that he took a lot of time before deciding to quit as England coach.

The 41-year-old announced that he will be leaving his role with immediate effect earlier today.

"I've given this a huge amount of thought since returning from the World Cup and even before that," Johnson told reporters this afternoon. "It is in the best interests of myself and the England team that I don't carry on into next year.

"It is not a knee-jerk reaction. It is a considered, thoughtful decision that I have come to.

"It is not a decision I've made quickly or easily."

Johnson took over from Brian Ashton in 2008.