Players / High Five / Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson’s record as captain speaks for itself. He is the only Englishman to lead The Lions - twice - and hold the World Cup aloft.

He skippered the Leicester Tigers to four successive English league titles between 1999 to 2002 and back-to-back European Heineken Cup victories in 2001 and 2002. 

Johnson’s first international honours came for New Zealand U21 on a tour across the Tasman, where he played against another legend John Eales. It was the first of many great battles between the two.

His England debut came in special circumstances after being called up as an 11th hour replacement for the injured Wade Dooley. He went on to play a pivotal role in the 16-15 victory over the French and his professionalism became evident, even with only 20 minutes line-out preparation. He isn’t nicknamed ‘Captain Colossus’ without good reason and was awarded the CBE in the 2004 New Years Honours.

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Martin Johnsons High Five captains