Tigers prepare for Johnson Departure

Head coach John Wells says no talks have taken place but he believes that the World Cup winning captain is likely to retire at the end of this season if the Tigers have a successful season.

"You look at the form he's in and you say if he can play this well we can get another year out of him," said Wells.

"I think what you're seeing now is him saying, 'This is me at my best, I'm going to give it one last season and then feet up'.

"If we then start to talk to him about going on and on, isn't that the scenario where you play one season too much? We have all done it.

"If this season turns out to be successful, I think it will potentially be the right time for Johnno to say, 'Look, I've had a great career, let's move on'.''

Double Heineken Cup winner Johnson quit international rugby in February after lifting the Webb Ellis trophy and does not look likely to make himself available for the British Lions next summer.

"It was a brave decision to retire from Test rugby,'' added Wells.

"He could have played for England in the last Championship. But it would not have been in England's development, and they have good second rows."