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.

  • Thursday, 10. May, 2012

    What Can England Achieve In South Africa Under ‘Lucky’ Lancaster?

    England have announced a 42-man squad to tour South Africa this summer, including one player who’s never even performed in the Aviva Premiership in his current position. Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson wonders just how the men in white will go on…

  • Monday, 16. April, 2012

    Bummed Out In The Basque Country

    The Basque rugby derby is reputed to be one of the most passionate in world rugby. Which is why Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson was prepared to drive four hours to witness it, only to end up having “the worst rugby experience” he’s ever had. Here’s his cautionary tale…

  • Monday, 9. April, 2012

    Are We Lacking Direction?

    With Saracens being given a rugby lesson by Clermont at the weekend Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson looks at why English clubs have struggled on the European stage this season…

  • Monday, 2. April, 2012

    Pezza – A Legend!

    How on earth can a pro rugby player still be competing in the front row of France’s notoriously tough Top 14 at almost 39 years of age? Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson salutes Perry Freshwater’s remarkable achievement

  • Monday, 26. March, 2012

    Can Cipriani Cut It?

    England’s wild child wild card Danny Cipriani has signed a three-year deal with Sale Sharks. Will it lead to an international resurgence or prove to be nothing more than a costly marquee signing? Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson investigates…

  • Monday, 19. March, 2012

    The ‘Anyone But England’ Brigade Are At It Again

    Can the idea that maybe England’s Six Nations exploits were more significant than Wales’s really be so outrageous? Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson investigates…

  • Monday, 12. March, 2012

    Lancaster’s Luck!

    Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson claimed that England Interim Coach Stuart Lancaster had luck on his side after the very first Six Nations game against Scotland. And he’s been proved right all through the tournament. Now he reckons they should give Lucky Lancaster the job on a full-time basis

  • Monday, 5. March, 2012

    ABE – Anyone But England!

    There are plenty of reasons for fans of the other five countries to hate England during the Six Nations. But as Rugby Rugby’s Red Rose man Howard Johnson finds out, when the referee just happens to be English then it really is time to take cover!

  • Sunday, 26. February, 2012

    It’s Such A Perfect Day

    Not even the narrowest of England defeats to Wales could ruin Rugby Rugby columnist Howard Johnson’s day out at Twickenham

  • 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!