Martin Johnson’s son is carving his own path in rugby – following in the 2003 legend’s footsteps

Friday, 24 January 2025 at 17:30

byRugby Rucker

, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.

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.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

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 53-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].

"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.

Here’s Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With

Here's a look at who these iconic players have settled down with and what they've been up to since lifting the trophy.

Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin

Jason Robinson’s first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.

Robinson’s career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks' head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.

Will Greenwood – The Centre Who’s Been a Rock for His Family

Will Greenwood’s marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.

The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the

Daily Telegraph.

Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance

Mike Tindall’s romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.

The couple’s relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission

Ben Cohen’s first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.

Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.

Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley’s Quiet Romance

Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson’s mother.

The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.

Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame

Matt Dawson’s personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.

With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport

Lawrence Dallaglio – From Scandal to Stronger Than Ever

Lawrence Dallaglio’s relationship with Alice, a former model and art student, has endured for over two decades, despite a rocky patch during the 2003 World Cup when Alice had an affair with one of Dallaglio’s friends. They reconciled, married in 2005, and now have three children. Dallaglio’s influence in rugby remains strong, as he continues to be an authoritative voice in the sport since retiring in 2008.

Rugby Quiz:

Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best.

Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.

From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage.

Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.

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