Martin Johnson's emotional final interview as England captain was perfect
Rugby NewsWednesday, 18 January 2023 at 08:45
Hear from England captain Martin Johnson, head coach Clive Woodward and Wallabies skipper George Gregan in the immediate aftermath of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
The final turned out to be the last go Johnson's 92 international caps after making his international debut 10 years prior.
A leader who sets an example and a person you would want by your side in difficult situations, Johnson was a captain of the Lions on two tours, including the successful 1997 South Africa tour.
He was not only an inspiring leader but also a strong player, known for his solid presence in the tight and his motto "if in doubt, go forward."
Johnson will always be remembered as the captain who received the World Cup trophy in 2003 when England won in Sydney. The post-match interview was epic.
One fan wrote: "Perfect words from Johnson,"
A second wrote: "Absolute legend. What a leader. There’s no one else you’d want to lead you. There will never be another like him."
Former teammate Phil Vickery commented: "The man is a rock ... the ultimate competitor but above all else a great human being.."
Final Martin Johnson interview:
Martin Johnson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Captain In History
Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take the responsibility.
A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.
Over the years of following the game, we’ve seen captains come and go. Some are successful, others less so, and only a few leave a lasting legacy.
In international rugby, over the past many years, there have been several iconic captains. These players created a legacy at their respective clubs and have a legendary status in them.
With that in mind, who was the greatest rugby captain of all time? 1,000 RUCK readers have been ranking our selection of captains with England legend Martin Johnson being ranked the best of all-time.
The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:
- A great player
- Inspire confidence in their team
- Takes responsibility
- Lead by example
- Great sportsmanship
- Tactical knowhow
- Excellent communicator
- Emotional discipline
Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20
20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France)
19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
18. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
17. John Dawes (Wales)
16. Will Carling (England)
15. Agustín Pichot (Argentina)
14. John Smit (South Africa)
13. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
12. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
11. Sam Warburton (Wales)
10. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
9. Sarah Hunter (England)
8. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Alun Wyn Jones facts:
- He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
- Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
- nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
- His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
- Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.
7. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
5. John Eales (Australia)
4. Willie John McBride (Ireland)
3. Francois Pienaar (South Africa)
2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
1. Martin Johnson (England)
Martin Johnson facts:
- Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler. His younger brother Will is also a former back row forward for Leicester.
- He briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end.
- Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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