Johnson concentrates on rugby

Martin Johnson today brushed aside claims that he was one of the dirtiest captains in the sport and appealed for the World Cup to be about “rugby and nothing else”.

Thu, 09 Oct, 2003 - 20:29

Martin Johnson today brushed aside claims that he was one of the dirtiest captains in the sport and appealed for the World Cup to be about “rugby and nothing else”.

The England skipper refused to be drawn into a slanging match after being criticised last week by South African counterpart Corne Krige.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Clubber TV and Irish Examiner logos in offer banner

Every Match. Every Story.

One Ultimate Bundle

No obligation. Ts&Cs apply.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Brian Smith 27/10/1990 Former Wallabies and Ireland player Brian Smith dies aged 59
Maeve Óg O’Leary, Caitriona Finn and Ellen Boylan celebrate after the game 8/8/2026 Munster teammates' coaching transition 'unreal' says Maeve Óg O’Leary
Jared Payne 4/8/2026 Keith Earls backs 'voice of reason' Jared Payne to succeed at Munster
CourtsRugbyRWC2019Place: TwickenhamPlace: PerthPlace: EnglandPlace: southern hemispherePlace: MelbournePerson: JohnsonPerson: Martin JohnsonPerson: Corne KrigePerson: Matt DawsonPerson: Iain BalshawPerson: Webb EllisEvent: World CupOrganisation: EnglandOrganisation: South AfricaOrganisation: GeorgiaOrganisation: ItalyOrganisation: AustraliaOrganisation: Argentina
<p>Pictured is Aer Lingus College Football Classic ambassador Ian Madigan ahead of this year's game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the UNC Tar Heels, taking place at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2026. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile</p>

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited