Ashley Johnson reveals his next move

NEWS: Former Springbok forward Ashley Johnson has joined English club, Birmingham Moseley, as a player-coach.

The 34-year-old bid farewell Wasps last month after eight years at the Premiership side.

Johnson, who earned three Tests caps for the Springbok, was linked with a move back to South Africa, where he was set to join former Wasps teammate Nizaam Carr at the Bulls.

However, he declined the offer and opted to remain in England to pursue his coaching career.

Commenting on the next chapter of his career, Johnson said: “I’m really looking forward to starting my coaching career at such a historic club. And to be able to still play while getting the opportunity to learn from Adam [Balding] and Glacks [Pete Glackin] was the perfect fit for me.”

Moseley Director of Rugby Adam Balding was pleased with the acquisition.

“I am delighted that the club have been able to attract someone with the values of Ashley Johnson, he will fit in well with the ethos of the club. He is a very humble guy and his presence around the club will be well received. I look forward to welcoming him and witnessing his skills both on and off the pitch.”

Coventry Telegraph reported Johnson’s signature has been partly funded by a ‘I built the team’ appeal on gofundme.com that, according to the club’s website, had raised £16,914 as of Tuesday, June 23.

Johnson made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney in July 2011 and played the last of his three Tests against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth in August that year.

He had played 198 matches for Wasps, scoring 42 tries, before the 2019-20 season was suspended.