Captain Our Captain!

Martin Johnson CBE

England Caps: 84 and Lions 8

England's most -capped lock added to his exploits in his eleventh year at test level by leading his side to a Six Nations Grand Slam win, historic wins over New Zealand and Australia in the summer of 2003 and then the ultimate prize of winning the Rugby World Cup.

Martin Johnson (Leicester Tigers) has been the cornerstone of the England squad, he is the toughest of competitors and a strong leader of men. He has inspired and guided Leicester to European and Zurich titles and is the only player to lead the Lions on two tours. His towering, brooding presence always casts a huge shadow over England's opposition.

Martin Johnson's reputation of being fiery sometimes, always goes before him and some would say Martin should set a better example! Well I say he does and he displayed the best example of a leader possible throughout the Rugby World Cup and I hope on into the IRB Six Nations tournament of 2004.

Jonny Wilkinson said of Martin "He has a massive effect on me because of the authority he stamps on things and his approach to the game. He has a no-nonsense straight talking, 'get in there, get the job done' approach. I really appreciate that as a player".

One player who benefited from that approach was Josh Lewsey! I remember reading of Josh complaining to Martin about a high tackle on him during England's historic win over the New Zealand 'All Blacks' in June 2003 - only to be told to shut up and bite the bullet and get on with it. Josh did of course and went onto produce a most spectacular legal tackle on Rogers and with England down to 13 men at one point having lost Dallaglio and Back to the sin bin. Martin's leadership, grit and determination showed through that day and emanated throughout the team. That match in my opinion was the day England and Martin Johnson became the undisputed No1 team and Captain in the World.

Sir Clive Woodward said " Three things are important when choosing the Captain". " First he has to be in the team on merit, there must be no doubt about that. Second he needs to have the respect of everyone in the camp, from the coaches through to the management team and onto the players. Third it is critical that he is at one with me so that when I'm not around the same messages are sent out, Captain and Coach must be seen to be banging from the same drum"!

Martin Johnson made his debut on January 16th 1993, against France. He was just 22, almost 11years on and the man is a legend. Can we imagine and England without him? Well we will have to one day! Martin is now a family man and the father of a newborn daughter Molly, he has become such a dab hand at changing nappies that England prop Jason Leonard has supposedly nicknamed him "mum".

Let us hope he does not hang his International Boots up just yet though!

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