My study is on Martin Johnson, I have chosen to study him as he is a sportsman I greatly admire. Born on 9th March 1970, he has been one of the most successful rugby players ever and has won numerous trophies in an amazing career spanning 15 years. Since England's triumph at the World Cup 2003, and Johnson's subsequent retirement from the international scene, he has been described as one of, if not the best player of his generation, maybe even ever. He is known as a modest and quiet man who would rather do his talking on the rugby pitch than to reporters.
On the pitch he is a dominating presence, his 6'6" 17 stone frame strikes fear into the opposition, this psychological advantage gives him the upper hand even before games start. Johnson's physical attributes of height, power and athleticism make him a perfect size for a second row, like many other elite locks he has been moved from the number 8 position as he lacked the explosive speed needed to be a back row forward.
English: Martin Johnson playing a benefit match be...
English: Martin Johnson and Graham Rowntree during...
A rugby union scrum between the British and Irish ...This decision to move him forward in the pack has proved a good move and has been beneficial to the Leicester Tigers, England and the British and Irish Lions.
He started playing rugby as a rather tall 14 year old at his local club Wigston RFC after being selected to play for Leicestershire through his school. After his switch to the tight five he broke into the England schools under-18 side, this allowed him the opportunity to join the Tigers in 1988. Whilst playing in the lower ranks of the team he was invited to play for Kings County in New Zealand, he played there for two seasons and in 1990 he returned a far more experienced and rounded...