Lions look set to be without Johnson

Former England captain Martin Johnson has all but ruled himself out of Lions contention by confirming that he will play in an exhibition match at Twickenham on June 4 - the day of the tourists' first fixture.

Johnson, who was capped 84 times by England and went on three tours with the Lions - including twice as captain - has pledged his participation involved in a testimonial game in London on the day that the Lions play their first game of their 11-match New Zealand tour.

The 34-year-old World Cup winner, who retired from international rugby last January, will be involved in a game against a Jonah Lomu XV as part of his testimonial year on June 4 - the same day the Lions play against Bay Of Plenty in Rotorua.

"It can be taken as a fair assumption that Martin's involvement in the Twickenham fixture will mean he will not be going on the British Lions tour," said Stuart Henry, a member of Johnson's testimonial committee.