Martin Johnson’s son could one day face a huge international decision, with Henry Johnson potentially eligible to represent one of England’s biggest rivals.
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Henry, the son of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning captain, is beginning to build his own rugby reputation after following his legendary father into the sport.
The teenager has already represented England at age-grade level and was included in the England U18 squad for the 2026 Six Nations Festival.
However, there is a potential twist.
Johnson’s mother, Kay, is from New Zealand, where she met the former England captain during his time playing rugby overseas.
That family connection could potentially open the door for Henry to represent the All Blacks in future, subject to the relevant World Rugby eligibility criteria being satisfied.
Under World Rugby rules, a player can represent a country if they were born there, or if one of their parents or grandparents was born there.
The idea of Martin Johnson’s son one day wearing the famous black jersey would be one of the more remarkable international rugby stories imaginable.
His father is one of English rugby’s most iconic figures, having captained the Red Rose to their only Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003.
Martin Johnson also won 84 England caps, captained the British & Irish Lions on two tours, and became a Leicester Tigers legend.
There is also a strong New Zealand link in Johnson’s own story. He spent part of his rugby education there as a teenager, playing for King Country and even representing New Zealand U21 before returning home.
For now, Henry’s career is progressing closer to home, with Leicester Tigers confirming the back-row forward will step up into their Senior Academy ahead of the 2026/27 season after impressing at Oakham School.
An England Johnson in an All Blacks shirt?
Now that really would be something.
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MARTIN JOHNSON FACTS:
5. He represented New Zealand
Yes, really.
At the age of 19, Johnson travelled to New Zealand and played for King Country before earning selection for the New Zealand Colts.
The future England captain eventually returned home and went on to win 84 caps for his country, but his early career could have taken a very different path.
4. He is the only man to captain the Lions twice
Johnson was handed the British & Irish Lions captaincy for the famous 1997 tour of South Africa, leading the tourists to a historic series victory.
Four years later, he was chosen to lead the Lions again in Australia.
In doing so, Johnson became the first — and remains the only — player to captain the Lions on two separate tours.
3. He only played for one English club
Johnson spent his entire senior English club career with Leicester Tigers.
The second-row made 361 appearances for the club before retiring in 2005, winning five Premiership titles and two European Cups along the way.
2. His brother was also a Leicester star
Rugby ran in the Johnson family.
Martin’s younger brother, Will, also became a Leicester Tigers stalwart and made more than 200 appearances for the club.
One story sums up their relationship perfectly. After Will broke his wrist during the 2001 Heineken Cup final, he later recalled Martin telling him: “Get up or f*** off.”
1. He completed an incredible captaincy treble
Johnson enjoyed one of the greatest years any rugby captain has ever had in 2003.
He led England to the Six Nations Grand Slam before captaining them to a historic series victory in New Zealand and Australia.
Then came the ultimate prize.
Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Cup after England defeated Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, completing an extraordinary year that cemented his status as a legend of the game.
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