Martin Johnson is back to his old self after the psychologically damaging events at the World Cup, according to Austin Healey.

And Healey has not ruled out a return to coaching for his friend and former Tigers team-mate, who quit as England manager after a poor World Cup.

Healey says Johnson was hurt by all the bad publicity but thinks he may return at some stage.

"We have got a lot of hedges where we live so it's going to take him a long time to finish those first!" he laughed.

"And then maybe he will get back into coaching."

Healey added: "I think he is enjoying a bit of time off. I've been to the gym with him a couple of times and he is quite relaxed.

"I think maybe initially it did (damage him).

"But, having had a family holiday for a month in New Zealand, he is certainly re-invigorated.

"He is back to his old self, taking the mickey and enjoying life.

"At the time things seemed very dark. You come back and there's a lot of Press, but you know what, it's only a job, only a game."

Healey thinks Johnson should have stayed on as England boss.

"I think he made the wrong decision," said Healey.

"I think he would have learned a huge amount from that trip. I just think he needed new coaches. He could have taken England forward.

"Undoubtedly he made mistakes, but that's part and parcel of learning as a coach, as you do as a player.

"I hope he realises how much high regard he is still held and, after something so damaginglike that, people think it's the end. But there is no reason why it has to be."