Johnson scotches Lions tour rumours

LONDON - England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson confirmed he would not tour New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions this year.

The confirmation came when plans for his testimonial match were revealed on Wednesday.

The Leicester lock, twice a Lions captain, will play in his testimonial at Twickenham on June 4 - the opening day of the tour in New Zealand - the testimonial organisers said. Former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu will also be involved.

The Lions, under World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward, open their tour against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua. The three-test tour ends on July 9 in Auckland.

Johnson, 34, retired from international rugby in January 2004, two months after leading England to victory over hosts Australia in the World Cup final. Woodward had initially hoped he would be available for the Lions tour.

Johnson played for England in three World Cups and went on three Lions tours, leading them to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa in 1997.

- REUTERS