Johnson’s hunger rekindled by Cup campaign

MARTIN JOHNSON has revealed he feels like “playing on forever” as Leicester edge towards a record third European title.

England’s World Cup-winning captain will call time on his illustrious career at the end of this season.

And he could bow out in the grand manner by steering Tigers to fresh Heineken Cup glory after Leicester lifted the trophy in 2001 and 2002.

Toulouse, the only club apart from Leicester to win the tournament twice, stand between Tigers and a place in next month’s Edinburgh final.

Competition organisers have yet to confirm the semi-final venues on April 23/24, but it looks as though Leicester City’s 32,000-capacity Walkers Stadium will host the encounter.

“We have held discussions with the rugby authorities with regards to the Walkers Stadium hosting the Heineken Cup semi-final between Leicester and Toulouse later this month,” said a Leicester City spokesman.

“We are waiting to hear from ERC (European Rugby Cup Limited) as to whether they have chosen the Walkers Stadium as their nominated stadium.”

It is understood that Stade Francais and Biarritz could kick off semi-final weekend on April 23, given French television’s preference for a Saturday game, with Leicester and Toulouse 24 hours later.

Leicester secured their semi-final place with a 29-13 victory over Leinster at Lansdowne Road.

“After this win and this fantastic occasion, I feel like playing on forever. It was great to go back to Lansdowne Road and be part of a fantastic Heineken Cup quarter-final weekend.

“It is just amazing how far this tournament has come. We had more fans at Lansdowne Road than we had in our first (European) final back in 1997.

“We snuck into the quarter-finals from the pool stages, and we took our chance. We scored tries at crucial times in both halves, and I am really proud of the way the guys played. Toulouse in the semi-final will be another huge challenge, but this Leicester side always rises to a challenge,” Johnson added.

“Toulouse are really the quality team in the tournament. They have such a strong squad. But they are the sort of team you have got to beat to get to the final.”