Johnson retakes Tigers captaincy

England’s World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson has been surprisingly named as the new skipper of Leicester Tigers.

Johnson, who retired from international rugby last month, relinquished the captaincy at the end of last season, giving England colleague Neil Back the position.

But just two months into his reign, Back has asked Johnson to resume his role as captain in the wake of coach Dean Richards’ departure from Wheldon Road on Monday.

Back has today given up the captaincy after being named as temporary assistant coach as the club search for Richards’ replacement.

Leicester named four senior figures at the club as part of a caretaker management team but today announced more details on that set-up.

Forwards coach John Wells is temporary head coach, with Back his assistant.

Johnson is also a member of the temporary management team and his first match back as Tigers captain comes against Sale on Friday.