England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson is set for a key role behind the scenes of the international set-up, Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler has said.

The RFU's elite director Rob Andrew - conducting a review into the various stages of this year's World Cup under Brian Ashton - has reportedly recently held talks with the popular former Tigers lock about becoming involved at Twickenham.

Wheeler, also a director of Premier Rugby, said that Johnson was annoyed by early England performances in the tournament before a remarkable turnaround saw them lose narrowly to South Africa in the final.

"Martin is a serious rugby person and has a part to play in professional rugby in one guise or the other," he said.

"I think he will be involved in serious rugby matters. What the role will be and when it starts is just a matter of time.

"Martin has moved to the point where he wants to get into something seriously.

"Martin was frustrated by the early England performances at the recent World Cup. He feels he can do something to help the situation."

Sir Clive Woodward, who guided Johnson's England to the Webb Ellis trophy Down Under in 2003, has previously said that he would appoint Johnson in the capacity of team manager.

Andrew would not be drawn into questions about Johnson future with England.

"I'm conducting the review and when I'm ready to make comments on the review, I'll let everyone know," he said.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport