Life University Flanker joins New England as the 6th pick in the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft
The Free Jacks are excited to announce the signing of Justin Johnson with the 6th pick in the first ever Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft.
The 6’2, 215lb, dynamic and versatile back rower, graduates from Life University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Computer Information Management. Justin concludes his time at Life with a 3.9 GPA and graduates with High Honors recognition.
Justin’s time on the field saw just as much success. Justin played at Life all 4 years of his college career, running out in the green and black of the Life Eagles in various positions in the back row. Justin received numerous recognitions as a player having helped lead Life to claim 2018 & 2019 Collegiate National Championships. The 2-time USA Collegiate All-American, and 7’s Collegiate All-American was a notable standout at on the field. 2017 Freshman of the Year, 2017 USA-South U-20 RAN Champion and MVP, 2019 & 2020 Mid-South All Conference and 2020 Life University Defensive Leader identified Justin as a leader in the colligate game.
“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 in to the 2021 season and will certainly be one to watch on the field next season.”
Justin was born and raised in Inglewood, California, where he began playing Rugby in 2014 as a sophomore in high school. Prior to picking up the oval shaped ball, Justin honed his skills as a multiple sport athlete having played basketball, football, and competed in various track and field events.
Join us in welcoming Justin to New England.
Accomplishments:
2014 & 2016 Southern California High School Champions
2014 & 2016 Southern California High School 7’s Champions
2016 Captain of Mira Costa High School
2016 High School All-American
2017 & 2018 U-20 All-American
2017 Freshman of the year (Honorable Mentions)
2017 Collegiate National Champion Runner Up
2017 USA-South U-20 RAN Champion and MVP
2018 & 2019 Collegiate National Champion
2018 7s Collegiate All-American
2019 & 2020 Mid-South All Conference
2019 Collegiate All-American
2020 Life University Defensive Leader