Though ultimately unsuccessful, the trip highlighted Johnson's international credentials and he was back in the England squad for the 1994 Five Nations.
Although he helped England power their way to a 1995 Grand Slam, Johnson's career went into overdrive with the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa. A surprising choice as captain, he repaid coach Ian McGeechan's faith by leading them to a 2-1 spectacular series victory.
It was inevitable that Johnson would be made captain of club and, in 1999, country. But while success took its time to settle on the national side, Leicester's dominance of the English and European club scene was immediate.
The 1998 Pilkington Cup was followed by four successive league titles. Leicester also became the first club ever to successfully retain the European Heineken Cup.
He also became the first man to lead the Lions twice when he skippered the 2001 tour to Australia.
The year of the rose though was 2003 with an elusive Six Nations Grand Slam won in Dublin, a first victory in New Zealand in 30 years achieved, followed seven days later by a demolition of Australia.
This was only a precursor of what was to come. Hot favorites for the World Cup, England fought their way through to the final, where they would face the hosts Australia.
Johnson guided his team through 120 tense minutes and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup to cap what can only be described as a remarkable career.
Martin was also awarded a CBE in 2004.
