Johnson announces retirement

"I've been speaking to Johnno and have been aware for some time of his plans and commitments," said the Lions coach.

"You can't underestimate the impact he's had on the game - for club, country and for the British Lions.

"Johnno is an awesome individual, a world-class player and his leadership is outstanding."

Johnson quit Test rugby at the start of 2004 having led the Woodward-coached England to 2003 World Cup glory over Australia in Sydney.

Former England colleague Martin Bayfield described Johnson as "one of the greatest players" he has ever seen.

"His contribution to rugby is enormous. Probably greater than any other England player," Bayfield told the BBC.

"He was a natural when he stepped into his first international against France.

He was the most influential skipper I've encountered Keith Wood Ireland and Lions

"He is the only man to have captained two Lions tours and he was England captain.

"Probably the greatest skipper England have had and probably one of the greatest players the world has ever seen."

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood, who played with Johnson on Lions tours, said the England star was an "all-time great".

"As a leader he was second to none - the best captain I ever had. He would let his body and actions do all the talking," he said.

"Martin was a nuisance to play against, but having played against him you understood how much of a benefit he was to your own side.

"He played on the edge and pushed everything to the limit so his team could win - but you would expect nothing less from your captain.

"He was the most influential skipper I've encountered and as a player he will go down as one of the all-time greats - he deserves his retirement."

As a captain he would never ask one of his team-mates to do anything he wouldn't Jason Leonard England and Lions

Jason Leonard, another England stalwart in the pack, said the 34-year-old led by example.

"Martin's had the best career a player could have wanted - he's won everything in the game," said Leonard.

"He's also been one of the best captains in any sport across the world. He will be sorely missed by Leicester and England.

"He was the complete competitor. He doesn't like to lose at anything and would never take a backward step. He would never avoid hard work - he always rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in.

"As a captain he would never ask one of his team-mates to do anything he wouldn't. He was a respected figure worldwide."