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Charlie Matthews the latest Premiership player to head to Japan, Johnson also finished at Wasps

By Online Editors
(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Charlie Matthews has become the latest player from England to enlist for a stint in Japanese club rugby, the 28-year-old lock joining Kamaishi Seawaves on the same day that hooker/back row Ashley Johnson, the 34-year-old former Springbok, revealed he was also leaving Premiership club Wasps.  

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“After eight enjoyable years in the Premiership I have decided that the time is right for my young family and I to take up an exciting opportunity to play in Japan, for Kamaishi Seawaves,” explained Matthews, who made 163 appearances for Harlequins before joining Wasps in 2018. He made 28 appearances before the 2019/20 season was suspended by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Johnson carved out his reputation at the Cheetahs in 2006, going on to play for South Africa on three occasions in 2011 before switching to Wasps in 2012 when he enjoyed a lengthy career that numbered 198 appearances and 42 tries scored. 

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RugbyPass reviews the iconic 1997 Lions vs South Africa first Test in the company of Wasps legend Lawrence Dallaglio

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RugbyPass reviews the iconic 1997 Lions vs South Africa first Test in the company of Wasps legend Lawrence Dallaglio

“I would like to thank everyone at Wasps that was part of my incredible journey during the last eight years,” said Johnson. “I have played alongside some incredibly talented players in my time at Wasps and, more importantly, I’ve made some lifelong friends. 

“To Dai Young, who signed me back in 2012, thank you for believing and taking a chance on me – I will be forever grateful. Relocating to Coventry and playing at the Ricoh is certainly one of the highlights of my career.”

Commenting on the departures, Lee Blackett, who took over as head coach following the exit of Young last February, said: “Ashley has to go down as one of the best signings in Wasps history. He has become a fan favourite for several reasons, whether it’s his barnstorming carries, massive gain line stopping tackles or for being a very humble character.

“I would just like to thank Charlie for his massive efforts over the last two seasons. He has always given his best to the club, on and off the field. It’s a shame his Wasps career has ended before the season is over as he was playing some of his best rugby before we went into lockdown.”

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Johnson was suspended from playing in 2018 after mistakenly ingesting one of his wife’s fat-stripping tablets instead of his own legal supplement. Speaking to RugbyPass last year about the ban he said: “Mentally it was really tough. My mental health was challenged, so it was just awesome to be in a really good space to come back and perform at the level I know I can. 

“It’s a tough old situation. Mental health is something, especially from a rugby player’s point, that is being talked a lot. When you go away from the squad it’s a very lonely place and you have to deal with stuff on your own. 

“The RPA [Rugby Players’ Association] was amazing, just to put a hand over my shoulder and make sure I knew what to do if I need to talk to someone. It was just about surrounding yourself with people who know who you are, friends that support you, positive reinforcement all the time. It’s just being around people. 

“They said, ‘Listen, we can still go for a beer, you’re still part of this club, still one of our mates’. The boys were brilliant. They supported me so much. Even just a little text, a little hand on the shoulder. 

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“Then when I came back I wanted to do it for them. I wanted to be in a really good place where I could contribute and show them the same love and faith they showed me when I went through that difficult period.”

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Trevor 9 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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