posted on Jan, 17 2004 @ 11:23 AM
Martin Johnson on Saturday announced his
retirement from international rugby. England's World Cup-winning captain, who will be 34 in March, has called time on an illustrious 10-year Test
career.
Johnson confirmed his widely-anticipated during Leicester's Heineken Cup game against Ulster at Welford Road.
Johnson led England to World Cup victory in November, saving one of his finest performances for the dramatic win over Australia in the final. He
captained England 39 times during his 84 Tests and led the British Lions on tours in 1997 and 2001.
England coach Sir Clive Woodward now faces the almost impossible task of finding a suitable replacement for Johnson as both player and captain. Back,
Hill, Jonny Wilkinson and Phil Vickery are among the favourites to be handed the captaincy by Woodward.
[Edited on 17/1/04 by TRD]