He scored many successes during his illustrious rugby career, but former Tigers star Martin Johnson admits there is something "very special" about his latest achievement.

Mr Johnson, now England manager, is to be made an honorary doctor of laws by the University of Leicester.

The World Cup-winning captain, from Market Harborough, will swap his tracksuit for a cap and gown to receive his degree at a conferment ceremony in front of hundreds of graduating students and their families from around the world.

The former Robert Smyth School pupil is one of two people who will receive honorary degrees from the university during its winter graduation ceremonies at Leicester's De Montfort Hall.

Mr Johnson said he was very grateful for the honour.

"The fact that it's coming from the University of Leicester, the city where I spent so many enjoyable years playing for Leicester Tigers, adds something very special to the occasion," he said.

"I live locally and, while I have had the privilege of playing and travelling to many parts of the world, this area means the most to me. In receiving the degree, I do so on behalf of my family, friends and everyone I've come into contact with in the game of rugby over the past 20 years."

Mr Johnson, who was appointed England team manager in April last year, after enjoying a successful career which included playing 84 times for his country as a lock forward, will be awarded his degree on Friday, January 22, at 1pm.

The rugby player will be joined by economics professor Michael Parkin, who also receives an honorary degree.

Prof Parkin, a Leicester graduate and now Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Western Ontario, in Canada, will be made an honorary doctor of letters.

Professor Sir Robert Burgess, vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: "Graduation is a time when we celebrate achievement across the university, and it is fitting that we do this in the presence of two people who are so highly acclaimed in their own fields.

"The University of Leicester is a top university with world-class teaching and research that also works hard at, and succeeds in, providing the kind of student-centred environment that satisfies the needs of students from all backgrounds."

Prof Parkin will receive his honorary degree on the same day as Mr Johnson, at 4pm.

"I was an undergraduate at the University of Leicester from 1960 to 1963 and a lecturer in 1965 and 1966," the economics expert said.

"It was an enormous privilege to be in this academically rich and stimulating environment.

"My teachers and later my colleagues at the University of Leicester were outstanding.

"[They] were inspiring and helped launch me on my career."