From legend to legacy – Martin Johnson's son follows the path
04/23/2025 09:21 AM
The man who famously lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003 isn't planning a rugby comeback anytime soon, but his son may soon take the spotlight.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Martin Johnson, England's World Cup-winning captain, has admitted he's not feeling the pull to step back into the sport, whether as a coach or pundit.
Known for his no-nonsense leadership on the pitch, Johnson has kept a relatively low profile since his tenure as England head coach ended in 2011.
Despite his three-year stint as head coach, which concluded in 2011 following England’s defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals against France in New Zealand, the 55-year-old has no plans to reenter the sport on a regular basis.
While he occasionally engages in coaching, it is not in a consistent or formal capacity.
Speaking with Lawrence Dallaglio on the Evening Standard rugby podcast,Johnson explained: "Well, I was watching the (recent) World Cup final. It was down to a point. Yeah, I was thinking, even if I was supporting New Zealand or South Africa, I'd probably be feeling sick right now, you know?
"I'm fine. I'm lucky we have done what we did [win a World Cup].
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
“I watch my boy (Henry) play rugby, do a little bit of coaching with him and I'm happy with that.
“I've not got a huge desire to put myself through that every Saturday."
Henry is playing for Leicester Tigers academy this season, and has earned some rave reviews early in the season following back-to-back wins against the Yorkshire Rugby Academy and Newcastle Falcons so watch this space.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Statement: Women's Six Nations match postponed
- England confirms they've ditched Umbro for new kit supplier
- Celebrity Traitors full line-up revealed with Joe Marler confirmed
- Ben Youngs out, Lions icon in? Leicester line up stunning scrum-half swap
- Ben Youngs confirms retirement, takes on coaching role
EDITORS PICKS:
- England assistant coach quit to join international rivals with immediate effect
- Wales finally replace Warren Gatland after mid-Six Nations departure
- England's Forgotten Man Set for Stunning Comeback Eight Years On
- All Blacks legend Richie McCaw names his top 5 opponents of all time
- Angry Nigel Owens calls for ban after France stars football-style flop
Three England Stars Who Could Lose Their Central Contracts
Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade's silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick's 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade’s place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he's an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post From legend to legacy – Martin Johnson's son follows the path appeared first on Ruck.
