Martin Johnson’s Son Embarks on His Own Leicester Tigers Journey

Thursday, 04 September 2025 at 09:45

byRugby Rucker

In stepping away from rugby, he demonstrates that legacy doesn’t always mean following in the same footsteps—it can also mean finding your own path.

He’s the man who hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup aloft in 2003 and twice led the British & Irish Lions – but don’t expect Martin Johnson to lace up his boots or return to the coaching box anytime soon.

The legendary England captain, now 53, has revealed he has no burning desire to get back into rugby, either on the touchline or in the media. Since stepping down as England head coach after the 2011 World Cup, Johnson has kept largely out of the spotlight – and that’s just the way he likes it.

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Despite spending three years in charge of the national side, culminating in a disappointing quarter-final exit to France in New Zealand, the former lock says he’s not looking for a way back in.

These days, his involvement is strictly low-key.

Speaking to Lawrence Dallaglio on the

Evening Standard rugby podcast, Johnson said:

“Well, I was watching the (recent) World Cup final. It was down to a point. Yeah, I was thinking, even if I was supporting New Zealand or South Africa, I’d probably be feeling sick right now, you know?

“I’m fine. I’m lucky we have done what we did [win a World Cup].

"I watch my boy (Henry) play rugby, do a little bit of coaching with him and I’m happy with that.

"I’ve not got a huge desire to put myself through that every Saturday.”

While Johnson senior is content staying in the background, his son Henry is starting to attract attention of his own.

The young forward enters his second season with the Leicester Tigers academy after a breakout year marked by standout performances and flashes of the power and leadership that defined his father’s legacy.

Watch this space.

“Dad was the best” – Six rugby sons who failed to match their father’s achievements

In rugby, legacy is a powerful force—but not always a guarantee of success.

These six sons of rugby legends had the world at their feet but ultimately fell short of matching their fathers’ towering achievements.

Cameron Redpath (Son of Bryan Redpath)

Cameron Redpath, son of former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, began his career with promise. He represented England at age-group levels before switching to Scotland, earning 14 caps and playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, his career has been marred by a series of major surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions and multiple shoulder and neck operations. These setbacks have limited his playing time and hindered his ability to reach the heights of his father's illustrious career.

Despite his resilience and determination, Redpath's injuries have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the Scotland team.

Louis Lynagh (Son of Michael Lynagh)

Louis Lynagh, son of Australian World Cup winner Michael Lynagh, has carved out his own path in rugby. He represented England at age-group levels before making his Six Nations debut for Italy, scoring a try against Scotland.

While he has shown promise, Lynagh has not yet achieved the same level of success as his father, who earned 72 caps and was a key figure in Australia's 1991 World Cup victory.

His international career is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen if he can reach the heights of his father's legacy.

Adam Hastings (Son of Gavin Hastings)

Adam Hastings, son of Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, has had a solid career, earning 27 caps for Scotland.

He has played for clubs like Bath, Glasgow Warriors, and Gloucester. However, his career has been hindered by a series of injuries, including multiple shoulder, ankle, and knee issues, which have limited his appearances and prevented him from consistently performing at the highest level.

While he has shown flashes of brilliance, Hastings has yet to establish himself as a key figure in the Scotland team.

Lucas Brooke (Son of Zinzan Brooke)

Lucas Brooke, son of All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke, began his rugby journey with promise, joining the London Irish Academy at age 13 and representing Berkshire at county level. However, his career has been hampered by setbacks, including a year-long hiatus from the sport.

Despite his return to rugby, Brooke has not been able to replicate the success of his father, who earned 58 caps for New Zealand and starred in the 1987 and 1991 World Cup campaigns.

His path has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, preventing him from reaching the heights of his father's legacy.

Dhyreille Lomu (Son of Jonah Lomu)

Dhyreille Lomu, son of the legendary All Black Jonah Lomu, showed early promise in rugby but has since decided to step back from the sport.

Growing up in the shadow of one of rugby’s greatest icons, Dhyreille faced enormous expectations, and while he impressed as a teenager, he has chosen to explore other passions. Alongside his brother Brayley, he has developed a love for tennis, with Brayley dreaming of becoming the world’s best.

Dhyreille reflects on his path with humility and perspective: “Dad will always be the best, so I might give something else a go.”

Lewis Tierney (Son of Jason Robinson)

Lewis Tierney, son of former England and British & Irish Lions star Jason Robinson, had a promising start to his career. He played for Wigan Warriors and represented Scotland at the international level, but a series of injuries cut his career short, leading to an early retirement from rugby league.

While he showed potential, Tierney was unable to achieve the same level of success as his father, who was renowned for his speed and skill on the field. His early retirement marked the end of a career that never fully blossomed.