Martin Osborne Johnson

Position: Lock
Weight: 259lbs / 18st 12lbs
Height: 1.98m / 6’6”
DoB: 9th March 1970 (Pisces)
Prev. Clubs: Wigston, College OB (New Zealand).
Caps: 74 – England. 8 – Lions.
International Debut 16 Jan 1993 against France
Last Test 22 Mar 2003 against Scotland

Martin Johnson. Does such a name even need an introduction? In the world of rugby, definitely not. The man is a presence in himself – when he runs onto any pitch, in any match, chills run up your spine in sheer exhilaration because whether he’s for your team or against it, you know there’ll be a fight and a damned good show of rugby. He’s the rugby’s version of Goliath and as yet no David has come along (or even appears to) who has what it takes to beat him. Their loss is the Tigers gain & England’s credit.

Jonno (or Goofy to his friends!) began his illustrious career at 17 when he played for England’s 18 Group in 1987; by 1989 he had joined Leicester’s senior squad and went further in International Rugby in the summer, by playing for King Country in New Zealand. He was selected to play for the NZ U21s, touring Australia the following year seeing him challenged by the likes of John Eales. 1990 saw Johnson back in England, making his Tiger’s debut and by ’92 he was selected for the England ‘B’ team as well as the Barbarians.

His England debut came in 1993 when he was called up at the last minute for Wade Dooley, against France (narrow 16 – 15 win). Later that summer, due to a personal tragedy (the death of his father), Dooley left the Lions tour to New Zealand which gave Jonno his first Lions Cap. In November he was back in the English team, this time helping to achieve a 15 – 9 win over the All Blacks.

Since 1994 to the present day, Johnson has been a permanent figure in England rugby (albeit ‘94s tour to SA), gaining the captaincy from Lawrence Dallaglio in May 1999 (and keeping it). Wheeler sums it up perfectly when considering why Jonno has had a tight grip on England’s reigns: "There aren't many people in Martin's class and the mark of the man is that when the big games come along, when the chips are down, he produces the goods.” – Peter Wheeler.

In 1997, he was given captaincy over the Leicester Tigers (and is the longest serving captain for the team with 7 seasons under his belt!). Just a few weeks later and Johnson helped the Lions get a 2 – 1 series win, captaining them. Since then, he’s captained the Lions once more in Australia (2001). He also also played in the World Cups – 1995 and in 1999 when he captained the team. His immense experience, constant motivation and determination has earnt him the respect of his fellow rugby colleagues world wide. Ex-Ireland Prop, Paul Wallace had only glowing praise for Jonno when interviewed recently; “Johnno galvanises that England side. He's a massive factor in the tight phases, but I think he's also made a huge contribution in the loose this season.”

Sadly Jonno missed out on the 2000 Six Nations and recently a hand injury forced him to be exempt from this autumns Internationals. Such trials has never dampened his spirit though and the man is renowned for being the hard, quiet type, giving only 110% on the pitch – although occasionally giving just a little too much. Like a knee in the groin to a Saracen’s player (35 day suspension) and a 3 week ban in 2002 after punching Robbie Russell (Saracens again!) which meant Johnson was left out of the Six Nations clash against Wales.

Martin Johnson has captained Leicester through seven seasons, the last four being highly successful with the Premiership (1999 – 2002), the ZP and winning th Heineken Cup for two years running (2001, 2002). He has also earnt himself numerous awards, such as the 98/‘99 Allied Dunbar Premiership Player of the Season and clocking up a very respectable 300 appearances for the Tigers!

Not just a dedicated (and scary – they don’t call him Herman Munster for nothing!) rugby Lock, Jonno is also a comedian with an excellent dry humour and a columnist for the website Planet Rugby / Rugbyrugby.com. He married New Zealander, Kay, in June 2000 (MJ was feeling the worst for wear after his stag do meaning Tigers lost 10-85 to the BaaBaas – but he did score a try!). Just recently they’ve had a little baby girl called Molly – at least she can truthfully say “My Dads bigger than your Dad!”. If, for whatever mad-cap reason, you fancy spending £5000 and hiring him out to stand tall at your local garden party, you can contact the MIKE BURTON MANAGEMENT (MBM) (http://www.mikeburtongroup.co.uk) and voila! One Red, White & Green Giant will be on your porch!

He also has excellent choice in movies – Gladiator being a firm favourite and when asked what the highlight of his career was, he replied “Pie & Chips after”. He might be a big fella, but he has his feet planted firmly on terra firma – mainly Welford Road’s!

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