Howard Johnson Column

With a fans passion and a pundits criticisms, Rugby Rugby's Howard Johnson breaks down the game of rugby like only a lifelong British fan can with his own brand of eye-opening insights and humorous takes on the game we love.

  • Monday, 20. February, 2012

    Form Is Temporary. Class Is Permanent

    On the weekend where British boxer Derek Chisora dragged professional sport through the mud, Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson meets England skipper Chris Robshaw, a man who proves that human values still have their place in the sporting arena

  • Monday, 13. February, 2012

    Balls Up!

    Can England mount a serious Six Nations challenge? It’s definitely possible, says Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson. But it will help next time if we can all see the ball a bit better!

  • Monday, 6. February, 2012

    The Luck Of The English!

    After New England’s impressive win against Scotland at Murrayfield in their Six Nations opener Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson wonders whether Interim Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has one particularly vital ingredient in his armoury... luck!

  • Monday, 30. January, 2012

    A Word From The Wise

    Lucien Mias skippered France on their legendary winning tour of South Africa way back in 1958. But as Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson discovered when he interviewed him recently, Mias still has much more to offer than sepia-tinted memories…

  • Monday, 23. January, 2012

    Natural Selection

    England’s Interim Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has been bold and brave in selecting a number of young and untried players at international level. Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson reckons we now need to be patient, knowing that some of the choices he makes will eventually fall by the wayside

  • Monday, 16. January, 2012

    The Battle For The Soul Of French Rugby

    When Toulon’s outspoken President Mourad Boudjellal laid into a French referee he opened a debate about the very future of the country’s rugby élite. Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson reckons things could get interesting...

  • Monday, 9. January, 2012

    It Matters More When There’s Money On It!

    Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson is excited about the forthcoming Six Nations, but his heart can’t take another finish like last year’s, when Ireland’s final day victory against England cost him a whopping 20 grand. Find out why here…

  • Monday, 2. January, 2012

    Days of Madness

    If France and England provided both endless talking points and numerous insane moments at the 2011 World Cup, then what on earth can we expect from the 2012 Six Nations? Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson can’t wait for the action to commence

  • Monday, 26. December, 2011

    Early Bath

    Those who are enjoying the current on-the-field problems of English moneybags outfit Bath Rugby had better beware. As Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson says, in sport money always talks in the end

  • Sunday, 18. December, 2011

    The ‘Aye’ Of The Tigers

    On the eve of a massively important Heineken Cup game, Leicester Tigers can still be charming and welcoming. Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson celebrates the modern club with old-fashioned values

  • Monday, 12. December, 2011

    He Doesn’t Know How Toulouse!

    The Heineken Cup is shaping up nicely and the red and black shirts of Toulouse are in stupendous form. Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson reckons it’s all down to gnarly-faced coach Guy Noves and his personal fiefdom…

  • Monday, 5. December, 2011

    Audience Participation Rugby

    Of course we shouldn’t condone violence – but Dad fighting is just too funny! After seeing Mr Harinordoquy Snr lamping the Bayonne flanker Jean-Jo Marmouyet while defending his son, Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson reckons it’ll be years before poor old Imanol is allowed to forget papa’s punches…