Rugby Football Union - England Captain retires but may stay involved.

England Captain retires but may stay involved.

by RFU Press Office


	Martin Johnson Lifts the World Cup photo by Getty

Following Martin Johnson’s decision to retire from international rugby, England Head Coach Sir Clive Woodward has paid tribute to his former captain’s distinguished career and huge contribution to England’s success on the international stage.
The head coach’s most treasured moment during the 2003 Rugby World Cup was seeing his captain lift the Webb Ellis Cup aloft when England became the world champions in November.

This crowned an international career for England’s most capped lock, a career that also includes leading England to a clean sweep of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in 2002, captaining England to their first Grand Slam victory under Clive Woodward during last year’s RBS Six Nations, captaining the Lions in 1997 and 2001 and beating New Zealand and Australia on their home turf in the 2003 summer tour build up for the Rugby World Cup.

The Woodward and Johnson (CBE) successful working partnership as England head coach and captain lasted almost 5 years starting with his debut as captain against the Netherlands at the Macalpine Stadium in Hudderfield in November 1998, substituting as captain for an injured Lawrence Dallaglio. This partnership has proved to be an enduring success.

“Martin and I spoke earlier this month about his decision to retire from the international game. I made it clear during the Rugby World Cup that I would have liked him to captain England in our defence of the Grand Slam but I fully support his decision.”

With Clive Woodward as head coach, Johnson earned 54 of his 84 internationals caps, 39 as captain. All but 5 of those 39 caps as captain were England victories.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Martin. He has made an outstanding contribution for his country both as a player and as captain on and off the pitch. He stands down now having achieved everything there is to achieve as an England player and I hope he will be involved in some other capacity in the international team in the future. I wish him all the best.”

Commenting on Johnson’s contribution to the sport in England, the RFU’s President Robert Horner said :

“Not only has Martin been an inspiration to his fellow England players but also to every schoolboy who dreams one day of following in his footsteps and captaining his club and country.”

Francis Baron, RFU Chief Executive commented:

“It’s not every day a sport has the privilege of having an international captain with such admirable leadership qualities and talent. Martin has led by example and will always command great respect in all corners of the sport. “

Johnson is the only player to have captained the Lions on 2 tours. The Manager of the 1997 Tour was Fran Cotton, now Chairman of Club England and member of the RFU Management Board.

“Martin Johnson is the all time great England player. You come across his class only once in a generation. The current England team is a reflection of Martin as he represents total commitment and focus on winning.”