Martin Johnson To Pull On The Sprigs For Charity

Former captain of the English rugby team Martin Johnson will lace up his boots one more time for charity.

Johnson, the new manager of the English team, has agreed to play in the Help for Heroes match at Twickenham in September that will raise money for British service personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will line up in the Heroes XV alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, making it the first time the two players haved played together since their triumphant 2003 World Cup final.

“When Lawrence asked me to play, I didn’t hesitate, " said Johnson, who retired from playing in 2005. " I’ve kept myself fit. This will be the first and, I’m sure, the last time that I will play in a competitive match. The cause is a superb one."

The Rugby Football Union has donated the use of Twickenham for the match – the first time they have ever done so. Dallaglio will captain the Heroes XV in the charity game, while the International XV will be skippered by Scott Gibbs.

“Our target is to reach a sell-out at Twickenham and to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes, so I urge everyone to do their bit, buy a ticket and enjoy a good day out for an excellent cause,” said Johnson.

The match will take place on September 20, and more players will be announced next week.