Johnson to talk with Woodward
February 23, 2002

Martin Johnson is set to discuss his immediate international prospects with England boss Clive Woodward during the next 24 hours.

England skipper Johnson was banned for three weeks by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on Thursday night after he punched Saracens hooker Robbie Russell in a Zurich Premiership game a fortnight ago.

Johnson's club Leicester have now appealed against the disciplinary panel's jurisdiction to rule on Johnson, who was yellow-carded in the match by referee Dave Pearson.

Technically, Johnson is available to play for England in next Saturday's potential Lloyds TSB Six Nations title-decider against France in Paris, pending an appeal hearing.

The ball is now firmly in the RFU's court as to when they can hold that appeal, and Johnson is to speak with Woodward shortly.

"I have got to sort it out with Clive over the next 24 hours," said Johnson, who watched Saturday's 17-6 Premiership victory over Northampton from the Welford Road stands.

Johnson confirmed he was consulted by Leicester over the appeal, adding: "We are appealing for the right reasons.

"I haven't considered France at this stage - I will be in consultation with the club and England."

The first four hours of Thursday's hearing were taken up by legal arguments and Johnson's high-powered team questioned whether the hearing should have been held.

Leicester rugby director Dean Richards said on Saturday: "Argument is the same as it was on Thursday. We are challenging the jurisdiction of the hearing."

On the field Leicester made hard work of defeating a limited Northampton side.

But that was hardly surprising given the Tigers were without Johnson, injured England prop Graham Rowntree and the rested Neil Back, while Austin Healey filled in at full-back with Tim Stimpson and Jordan Murphy both recovering from injuries.

Northampton in contrast, were at full strength, as they welcomed fit-again internationals Matt Dawson and Budge Pountney.

Leicester though, stretched their unbeaten home record in domestic competition to 50 matches, a sequence stretching back more than four years.

Andy Goode's penalties and a memorable try from prop Perry Freshwater, who sprinted 40 metres to score, set up the success.

Richards added: "I thought Northampton possibly could have taken us on the day, but I think they froze. It wasn't pretty - it was a typical local derby.

Northampton coach Wayne Smith said: "That was the poorest game I have ever been involved in.

"We just weren't good enough. If we had been good enough, then we would have won, but we panicked and lost composure."

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