The only man from the Northern hemisphere to have lifted the William Webb Ellis Cup, will be guest speaker at the next Sporting & Dining Club dinner event. England’s Martin Johnson will travel to the Isle of Man on 16th October at the dinner sponsored by Specsavers Opticians Isle of Man.
Martins visit presents a unique opportunity for islanders to hear the legendary World Cup winning captain, one of the most popular and sought after speakers on the circuit today, who will host what promises to be a fascinating evening of rugby anecdotes and a look forward to the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015, where the final will be played at Twickenham.
Martin Johnson is a living rugby legend and one of England’s greatest-ever players. He is the only man to lead the British Lions on two tours, including the magnificent series win over the world champion Springboks. As captain of England he has led his country to victory over the mighty southern hemisphere trio of the All Blacks, Australia and in South Africa and, in 2003, to the longed-for Six Nations Grand Slam. He has helped turn Leicester Tigers into the world’s most successful side, with back-to-back European titles the crowning glories of a victorious decade.
Johnson plied his trade in the hardest environment in sport, down among the mud, blood and boots of international rugby’s rucking, mauling, riotous battles. There, he is a man apart: feared by opponents for his brooding belligerence, venerated by team-mates for his leadership and strength, and simply adored by the fans. But the aggressive physicality which has taken him to the pinnacle of his sport has also landed him in trouble. And his no-nonsense style has sparked diplomatic incidents on and off pitches from Durban to Dublin.
He famously led his England team on strike in a confrontation with manager Clive Woodward the RFU, a low point in relations between the national side and their masters
An intensely private person, Johnson’s glowering on-field persona masks the shy, wry and thoughtful man his friends and family recognise. His presentation takes the audience behind the scenes in the England camp, examines the line between acceptable and unacceptable violence in his sport, and gives his views on modern rugby and its future.
As you’d expect, he pulls no punches.
John Wannenburgh of the IoM Sporting and Dining Club said:
“It is a real pleasure to host the captain of England’s most successful side here on the Isle of Man. The 2003 final remains English rugby’s finest moment as they were finally crowned world champions in Australia. The match became part of the social and sporting fabric of the whole nation and made heroes of the players, and we are delighted to have their inspirational captain as our guest”.
Adrian Higgins, Director of Specsavers Opticians Isle of Man said:
‘Specsavers is delighted to be supporting this ‘Sporting & Dining Club’ event. Martin Johnson is an accomplished and renowned leader and we will all be interested to hear more about his playing career, be it with Leicester, The British & Irish Lions as well as the World Cup winning squad from 2003. It will be a fantastic event and I am very much looking forward to more.’
The event will take place on Thursday 16th October 2014 at the Palace Hotel & Casino in Douglas.
Tickets are ?65.00 p/p for Members, and ?80.00 p/p for Non-Members.
Tickets available on email john@sportinganddiningclub.com, or telephone 01624 617049.
