The New England Free Jacks signed their first-round selection, the 6th pick in the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft, Justin Johnson for the 2021 season. The 22-year-old flanker is 6’2″ and 215 lbs.
Justin is from Inglewood, California, and attended Mira Costa High School where he played rugby beginning in his Sophomore year. He was a multisport athlete and also competed in basketball, football, and in various track and field events. A rugby highlight prior to graduation was beating Ysgol Bro Gwain High School from Fishguard, Wales at home.
He was the captain of the rugby team in 2016 and a High School All-American. He also helped Mira Costa win the Southern California High School Championship in both 15s and in 7s in 2014 and 2016.
Justin attended Life University from 2016-2020 and graduates with a Bachelor in Business Administration Degree, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Management. He was an honors student at Life with a 3.9 GPA and graduates with High Honors.
Justin played rugby all 4 years of his college career in the back row. He helped Life to win the 2018 & 2019 Collegiate National Championships and was the National Championship Finalist in 2017. He was a 2-time USA Collegiate All-American and 7’s Collegiate All-American, 2017 Freshman of the Year, 2017 USA-South U-20 RAN Champion and MVP, 2019 & 2020 Mid-South All-Conference.
New England Free Jacks Comments
“We are thrilled to bring Justin into the program with the Free Jacks. Not only is he a fantastic and developing rugby player, but also a great ambassador for our organization and sport as illustrated by his exemplary academic record and work ethic,” said Free Jacks High-Performance Manager Tom Kindley. “Justin will be an exciting player to work with as we develop our roster leading into the 2021 season and will certainly be one to watch on the field next season.”
“I’m delighted to start my professional career with the Free Jacks as their first-round draft pick,” commented Johnson. “I can’t wait to compete against the best of the best.”.
“We are thrilled to bring Justin into the program with the Free Jacks. Not only is he a fantastic and developing rugby player, but also a great ambassador for our organization and sport as illustrated by his exemplary academic record and work ethic,” said Free Jacks High-Performance Manager Tom Kindley. “Justin will be an exciting player to work with as we develop our roster leading into the 2021 season and will certainly be one to watch on the field next season.”
Expect to see Justin’s athletic ability and work ethic combine to great effect when he takes the field for the 2021 season.
Join Justin and the Free Jacks for a virtual Town Hall “News and Brews,” on October 15. Grab a Free Jacks IPA, join the virtual gathering, and get to know the newest Free Jacks and the returning players. RSVP using the link here: https://www.freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.
This is Our Radio: Justin Johnson Interview
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