Tough back row Sam Johnson joins the Cambridge ranks from New Zealand via National One side Bishop’s Stortford. Born in Kettering, the former North Harbour man’s family emigrated to New Zealand when he was 2 years old – he played at Auckland Grammar School, which has produced 53 All Blacks, more than any other school in the country, including the Ioane brothers, Akira and Rieko. Immersed in the game from the age of 4, Sam also played for Fielding Yellows, his junior club, and he moved to England from his next club, Silverdale.
Sam’s already hard at it in pre season and is ready for battle – and looking to prove himself in Tier 2: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity Cambridge has given me to play Champ Rugby and am looking forward to getting stuck into the upcoming season. It’s a great group of players along with a strong coaching and off field support team around us so I’m excited to see how far we can go”.
Head coach Craig Newby is keen to push Sam to his limits: “He’s a tough and relentless openside flanker that doesn’t know how to take a backward step. Sam comes to us hungry for an opportunity and I look forward to supporting him develop over the season ahead”.
Don’t miss your chance to see Sam and our other new signings in Champ Rugby action!
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