Ashley Johnson: Right Here, right now…

Feb 13 • International, National, Springbok News, Springboks, Video • 5631 Views • Comments Off on Ashley Johnson: Right Here, right now…

Ashley Johnson. Photo by Denese Lups/ Rugby15.

Ashley Johnson (b. 16 May 1986 in Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa is a professional Rugby Union player who presents Free State Cheetahs at provincial level, Toyota Cheetahs in the international Super Rugby series and the Springboks. He is usually used in the No.8 position, although he has often been moved to Blind-side and Open-side flanker, but also played at Hooker. His first game for the Springboks was in 2009 on tour to the British Isles, but he only earned his first Test Caps in the 2011 Tri-Nations series.

Background:

Ashley Johnson is the son of Archie Johnson, who played Tight-Head Prop for the Western Province League and the SA Federation team (SA Proteas) in the 80’s. Ashley followed in his father’s footsteps and started out in the prop at school level, before moving to the no8 position.

At an early age Ashley was scouted and received a Nike Bursary, from where he continued his schooling at Paarl Gym. He eventually captained the Paarl Gymnasium 1st XV and a Western Province schools team.

In 2006 Ashley joined the Free State Cheetahs. Between 2008 and 2009 he was loaned to the Griffons Rugby team for short stints, as Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské planned to give Ashley more game time. It was also during this time that Naka Drotské experimented by playing Ashley at Hooker, but due to injury problems in the loose forwards Ashley Johnson was recalled and had his first true chance to shine at No.8 where he excelled! This earned him his first call-up for the Springboks (South African International Rugby Union Team) in the November 2009 tour to the British Isles.

Squads: