Johnson toys with Lions idea

Howley 'delighted' by Woodward's comments

Former England skipper Martin Johnson has stated that he has not ruled out the idea of making himself available for next year's British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

The 34-year-old was responding to Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward's announcement that he would consider players regardless of their international status.

Despite retiring from England duty following victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the talismanic lock said he would consider his options during the forthcoming season.

"You can never say never to anything in life," Johnson told the Press Association.

"I've made myself unavailable for England because it takes up too much of my life - but you never know what's in store.

"It's too early to say what I'm going to do at the end of next winter.

"I've just started pre-season with Leicester and it has been tough. I'll have an answer for Clive some time after Christmas."

Woodward's open invitation also gained a warm reception from former Wales skipper Rob Howley who has made no secret of his desire to take part in his third Lions tour.

The London Wasps scrum-half retired from the Wales set-up last year after winning 59 caps, but spearheaded his club's successful English and European campaigns last season.

Howley has undergone two wrist operations since his match-winning Heineken Cup Final performance against Toulouse in May, and is eyeing a return to action in November.

"There is certainly no going back on my original decision with regards to playing for Wales," Howley told the Western Mail.

"But I am obviously delighted to hear that Clive is prepared to consider players who are currently not playing international rugby.

"As far as I am concerned, it's a case of getting myself fully fit again and concentrating on playing well for my club.

"If my performances are good enough, then perhaps I will have a chance, and I am sure the same goes for Scotty [Quinnell] and Johnno [Johnson].

"As far as the injury is concerned, I had to undergo a second operation last week to stop some internal bleeding.

"But I have already started physiotherapy and the stitches are due to come out next week.

"It feels OK, but I have got three or four months of hard work ahead of me and, as we speak, I am still looking at coming back some time in November."