Five of Martin Johnson's most iconic scraps on the pitch prove he was the toughest

Standing at 6ft 7” the giant lock was a true enforcer on the pitch and was known to throw the occasional punch if he felt the opposition deserved it.

While much of his earlier days in the sport were not televised, here are a few examples of his dirty antics on the field

Reacting, one fan wrote: "I've met Martin a few times in our city, he really is a giant of a man, some players escape red cards just because of who they are, and I think Martin was one of those players."

"Guy was an absolute monster. I remember someone from the Lions saying - if we were in the trenches, he would be the first man I'd want beside me," said a second.

A third commented: "I'm a proud Welsh man, Jono may be a bit rough, but IMO in his day was the best sporting captain on the planet."

After an argument breaks out at a scrum, Leicester lock Martin Johnson lands a punch on the chin of Scottish lock playing for the Barbarians Doddie Weir during their match in May 1999 at Twickenham.

Stringer punched Johnson in the back of the head when he was involved in a rolling maul and the former Leicester captain’s reaction was to swing at Munster’s six, thinking he was the antagonist.

Stringer’s jab wasn’t picked up by the referee, but the linesman spotted Johnson’s punch. However while the referee consulted with his official, the linesman said: “Uppercut, just give him a telling off.” The lock somehow escaped the sin bin.

England's grizzled World Cup winning captain lets fly at Robbie Russell.

Johnson is sin binned after punching Stade Français number 8 Christophe Juillet in the face in the 2001 Heineken Cup final after the Frenchman was holding onto his shirt.

Johnson is fortunate only to be shown a yellow card by referee David McHugh after stamping on the throat of Scotland centre John Leslie during the 5 Nations match at Twickenham in February 1999. The incident caused a small controversy after the match with the Scottish sports minister Sam Galbraith describing it as an "absolutely appalling act", however Johnson claimed he just wanted to ruck Leslie out and that he didn't connect with the throat deliberately.