Martin Johnson CBE stands among rugby union’s most accomplished and respected leaders, combining an extraordinary playing career with a compelling voice as a speaker. Born in Solihull on 9 March 1970, he made his senior club debut with the Leicester Tigers in 1989 and would go on to play 362 club matches across a 16-season professional tenure.
At international level, Johnson earned 84 caps for England national rugby union team between 1993 and 2003, captaining the side in 39 of those appearances.  His captaincy reached its peak when he led England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup — the first time a Northern Hemisphere nation had claimed the trophy under its skipper.
Complementing his England career, Johnson also occupies a unique place in the history of the British & Irish Lions, becoming the first player to lead the Lions on two separate tours (1997 to South Africa, 2001 to Australia).  At club level he captained Leicester during their dominant era: four consecutive Premiership titles (1999–2002) and back-to-back European Cup wins (2001 & 2002).

After his playing career, Johnson continued to apply his leadership skills off the field. In 2008 he was appointed England Team Manager, serving until 2011 and guiding the side to the 2011 Six Nations title.  As a speaker and event host, he brings his first-hand experience of elite sport, leadership under pressure and building high-performing teams, all delivered via a commanding and engaging presence.

Related Speakers

Dan Carter Terence Mauri Rasmus Ankersen Matthew Syed