"Explosive clashes" - England legend Martin Johnson goes to prison for new show
Rugby NewsThursday, 24 August 2023 at 08:50
England's revered figure, Martin Johnson, is about to embark on an unprecedented journey, as he steps into the confines of a prison for a remarkable ITV special.
This iconic lock, celebrated for his indomitable spirit on the field, is all set to create history once again by reuniting with his fellow World Cup champions on the hallowed pitch after two long decades.
Dubbed "Grand Slammers," the forthcoming ITV series promises to be a riveting spectacle. Martin Johnson, who etched his name in rugby history during his tenure with the Leicester Tigers from 1989 to 2005, will take on a unique role – mentoring and training a team of inmates at none other than HMP The Mount, situated in Hemel Hempstead.
This penitentiary boasts one of the few remaining prison rugby fields in the entirety of England, adding a poignant touch to the endeavor.
As anticipation for the Rugby World Cup reaches its zenith, ITV is all set to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience with this two-part series. Martin Johnson won't be treading this path alone; he'll be joined by a constellation of stars from the historic 2003 World Cup-winning squad.
The likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Matt Dawson will stand shoulder to shoulder with him, imparting their expertise to the eager inmates. Notably, former England star turned esteemed member of the Royal Family, Mike Tindall, is also slated to participate in this extraordinary venture.
Kate Teckman, ITV’s head of development of factual entertainment, said: “For some of these England legends, rugby presented a positive pathway and an opportunity to fulfil their potential.
"So, with reoffending rates from ex-prisoners at an alarming level, these World Cup winners are engaging with young men who’ve made big mistakes to show them how the game they love can offer the possibility of taking positive steps to move forward.”
Rugby Quiz:
THE BEST England XV of the last 50 years has been selected
he Telegraph's Chief rugby writer Mick Cleary, who is the finest rugby scribe in the game today, has selected a quite phenomenal England XV from the last 50 years.
The selection features players from various generations, from the games amateur roots, through professionalisation to the global sport rugby is today.
You can view his articles here. Read on to see the BEST England XV.
Fulback: Jason Robinson (2001-2007, 51 caps)
"Robinson was a menace whatever number was on his back, a bewildering opponent, a man seemingly able to sidestep in mid-air, with pace and nerve and vision, tough in the tackle, intelligent in his use of angles and selfless when it came to creating openings for teammates," wrote Cleary.
Winger: David Duckham (1969-1976, 36 caps)
"There is still a seared image of him in the memory bank with ball tucked under his arm, back arched, legs firm, blond locks flowing, all balance and power, causing an opposition defence no end of misery."
Outside-centre: Jeremy Guscott (1989-1999, 65 caps)
"‘The Prince of Centres,’ was how Guscott was described by Clive Woodward. And he wasn’t wrong."
Inside centre: Will Greenwood (1997-2004, 55 caps)
"At 6ft 4ins, Greenwood had a physical presence himself but it was the judgement he brought to the field of play that marks him out,"
Winger: Rory Underwood (1984-1996, 85 caps)
"Give him the ball, point him in the direction of the try-line, sit back and applaud."
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (1998-2011, 91 caps)
Who else could it have been?
Scrum-half: Steve Smith (1973-83, 28 caps)
"Smith was a ninth forward, a hard-nosed, gritty, grafting operator but one who played a full and fruitful part in launching a talented England back line that included Clive Woodward."
Loosehead-pop: Jason Leonard (1990-2004, 114 caps)
"The most enduring, the most accomplished and, as his ‘Fun Bus’ nickname would suggest, one of the most faithful and inspirational team-mates to have alongside you," wrote Cleary.
Hooker: Peter Wheeler (1975-1984, 41 caps)
"Wheeler was a prototype for the modern hooker, tough as well as proficient in the set-piece, accurate and accomplished in the art of throwing at the lineout and a relentless operator around the field,"
Tighthead-prop: Fran Cotton (1971-1981, 31 caps)
"He was a giant of a man, unusually so for a prop forward, but Cotton always put that height and stature to effective use and was never bested at the scrum,"
Lock: Martin Johnson (1993-2003, 84 caps)
"The stats themselves – 84 caps for England across a decade, 39 of them as captain, culminating in that World Cup victory, three tours for the British and Irish Lions."
Lock: Maro Itoje (2016-present, 38 caps)
"The 25-year-old would have excelled no matter the time or style of game, be it tight and relentless, a bare-knuckle exchange as often used to be the case, or, as he does now, as an all-purpose player, as at ease in the open spaces as he is doing the grunt work at the coal-face."
Blindside-flanker: Jon Hall (1984-1994, 21 caps)
"There would be no-one in Bath who would dispute Hall’s right to feature in any composite XV,"
Openside-flanker: Peter Winterbottom (1982-1993, 58 caps)
"There is no doubt that Winterbottom was cherished by colleagues for his unbreakable spirit on the field," wrote Cleary.
Number 8: Lawrence Dallaglio (1995-2007, 85 caps)
"Dallaglio has always been a singular figure, one never daunted by any situation which is why he was such a long-standing captain with Wasps,"
DUBLIN - MARCH 30: England's back row (l to r) Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio celebrate after winning the Grand Slam in the RBS Rugby Union International match between Ireland and England at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland on March 30, 2003. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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