Bok dynamo off to London
Springbok and Cheetahs loose forward Ashley Johnson has signed with English Premiership side London Wasps and will join the club in time for the start of the new season in September.
Johnson, who first toured with the Springboks in 2009 and earned three Test caps last year, is one of four new signings at the London club who have significantly bolstered their squad despite their recent financial difficulties.
The versatile Cheetahs loose forward can play at No.8 and blindside flank and has developed a reputation as a powerful ball carrier with great handling skills so he should add a completely new element to the Wasps pack.
In addition to Johnson Wasps have also secured the signature of 34-year-old Welsh flyhalf Stephen Jones who joins them at the end of a long and successful career.
The 104-time capped Jones has represented the Scarlets and Clermont Auvergne in a stellar career which has included six Test matches for the British and Irish Lions as a double tourist in 2005 and 2009.
Wasps CEO Chris Thomas said: “While everyone is aware that the club is seeking investment as a matter of urgency at the moment, in terms of player recruitment and retention, like every other Club at this time, we have been working hard to continue to put our squad together for next season.
“We are very pleased to have recently secured these excellent signings whose quality will place us in a strong position for next year. But while it is pleasing to announce further additions to the squad; of course our priority now is concluding a deal which will secure our financial future,” he added.
The other two signings are certainly not as high-profile, but will add depth to the squad nonetheless.
Phil Swainston, a tighthead prop, will arrive from Leeds where he has gained plenty of first team exposure. He made 26 appearances for Leeds last season in the Premiership, having experienced rugby for England at Under-18 and U20 level, though his appearances this season have been curtailed through injury.
Will Taylor is a young prop with a rising reputation in Wales with experience at international U18 and U20 level already under his belt. The youngster, who is keen to develop his career under the tutelage of former Wales and Lions prop Dai Young, made his Pro12 debut earlier this season.
