Curtain Falls on Martin Johnson’s Illustrious Rugby Career
Wasps Triumph Over Leicester Tigers in Premiership Final
On this day in 2005, Martin Johnson’s illustrious rugby union career came to an end as his Leicester Tigers were outmatched by arch-rivals Wasps in the Premiership final. The 66,000-strong crowd at Twickenham witnessed a dominant performance from Wasps, dashing the England World Cup-winning captain’s hopes of a triumphant farewell.
Wasps wasted no time in asserting their dominance, racing into a 13-0 lead within the opening eight minutes. Former England stars Joe Worsley, Josh Lewsey, and Simon Shaw delivered commanding displays, leading Wasps to their third successive Premiership title. Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio was equally instrumental, underlining his team’s mastery of the play-off system.
“Wasps’ triumph was all the more impressive given they had finished second behind Leicester in the regular 22-game league campaign.”
In contrast, Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest English rugby players of all time, was unable to inspire his Tigers team to victory on his 500th career start and final game before retirement. Leicester’s Neil Back and coach John Wells also experienced disappointment as they bid farewell.
Wasps’ fullback Mark van Gisbergen was the star of the show, contributing 26 points, including a try, while Tom Voyce and Rob Hoadley also crossed the line. An Alex King drop-goal further cemented Wasps’ dominance.
Leicester’s response was limited to a Scott Bemand consolation try and three Andy Goode penalties, as the Tigers were brushed aside 39-14 by their fierce rivals. For Johnson, this was a bittersweet end to a career of unparalleled success and influence on the England national rugby union team.
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