After all the boozing, dwarf parties, Tindall’s louche behaviour, ferry-jumping and World Cup exit... Johnson said: I've had enough

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English rugby was plunged into further turmoil on Wednesday when a weary Martin Johnson resigned from the manager's job in the wake of the embarrassing World Cup campaign.

The 41-year-old refused to pass on the blame for a series of flat performances that culminated in a quarter-final loss to France, or for England's serial indiscipline off the field that led to a string of lurid front-page headlines.

Final curtain: Martin Johnson, followed by Rob Andrew, arrives for his media grilling

Farewell: Martin Johnson (right) sits alongside Rob Andrew at the press conference

Johnson said: 'This is a considered, thoughtful decision. You have to decide whether you are prepared to jump in for four years and wholly commit yourself. I'm not. It is in the best interests of myself and England team (to go) right now.'

The RFU's crisis deepened when their No 1 choice to replace Johnson, former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett, ruled himself out of the running.

The former Springbok said: 'The RFU contacted me earlier this week to enquire about my availability for the position, should Martin Johnson resign. After mulling it over for a few days, I have decided I will not be making myself available and I have disclosed this to the RFU.'

Controversy: Martin Johnson felt let down by Mike Tindall

Mallett's admission that he was approached prior to Johnson's exit raises the question of whether RFU chiefs were aware of his imminent departure or were preparing to sack him.

England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain refused to blame his players for the controversies that dogged their tournament in New Zealand, including drunken nights out, dwarf throwing, Mike Tindall's boozy liaison with an old flame and Manu Tuilagi's arrest after leaping from a ferry.

Ill-judged: Mike Tindall, Dylan Hartley and Chris Ashton on the infamous night

Johnson said: 'I wasn't let down (by players), we were a team together. Things happen and get reported. Of course it didn't help. We don't want that reputation. It doesn't accurately reflect what we have as a group (but) how much it affected us on the field, no-one can answer that.'

A record of just 21 wins in his 40 Tests since taking charge in 2008 had left the former Lions captain's position under threat. In addition, today's revelations in Sportsmail about England's poor fitness is another indication of problems.

Water wally: Manu Tuilagi was fined for jumping off a ferry in Auckland harbour

Just six weeks before an England squad is due to be announced ahead of the Six Nations, there is no-one charged with picking it.

The RFU's acting chief executive Martyn Thomas is effectively out of the picture, replaced on a temporary basis by chief financial officer Stephen Brown. In principle, he will preside over the appointment.

Elite rugby director Rob Andrew will find his position under renewed scrutiny, though yesterday he said: 'I'm absolutely not considering resigning. Martin was appointed to run the England team, that's how this works.' Northampton's Jim Mallinder now leads the list of candidates to succeed Johnson.

Royal rumpus: Tindall married Zara Phillips just weeks before that infamous clinch

Caught on camera: CCTV footage shows Tindall being kissed on the head by former girlfriend

Head cases: Tiulagi and Tindall recreate bar scene at the airport