Life University star back-row joins the Free Jacks
BOSTON – October 9, 2020 – The Free Jacks are proud to announce the signing of the 6th pick from the inaugural 2020 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft, Justin Johnson.
“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.”
The 6’2, 215lb, power-packed back-row graduates from Life University with Bachelors Degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Management. Justin concluded his time at Life with a 3.9 GPA, graduating with High Honors recognition.
Justin’s time on the field saw just as much success, playing at Life University all 4 years of his college career and running out in the green and black of the Life Eagles across various positions in the back row. Justin received numerous recognitions along the way, 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 regular standout for the eagles, regularly devastating opposition with his ball carrying ability and defensive prowess.
“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.”
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.
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://freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.
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About The Free Jacks: The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks–the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information please visit www.FreeJacks.com
