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'Such a privilege’: Rachel Johnson fired up for World Cup opener vs England
Last weekend, the Red Roses rounded off their final World Cup warm-up match with an impressive display against familiar rivals France. Next up, the USA in the tournament’s opening fixture at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
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John Mitchell’s side will open their campaign against the Eagles with vice-captain Rachel Johnson relishing the opportunity for her team to start the tournament against the number one–ranked team in the world.
“It’s going to be really special having the World Cup opener”, Johnson begins. “People are like, ‘How do you feel about playing against England?’
“But we faced England in WXV last year, and although the scoreline at the end of the game was one thing, I found the game super empowering and exciting. We were able to have a bit of a pressure battle back and forth, especially in the middle part of the game.
“That game really excited me for the rest of the tournament. So when I saw that we got the World Cup opener, it just feels like such a privilege. Knowing that we get to face England in our first pool match, I think we’ll set the standard really high. I’m really amped for the game.”
Johnson has experience playing alongside many England players on a weekly basis in the PWR, having made a substantial impact during her time in the league with the Exeter Chiefs. She quickly made an impact in the backrow as a standout player during her first season in 2020.
Known for her powerful ball-carrying and relentless work rate, she was instrumental in helping the team establish itself as a force in the (then called) Premier 15s.
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“Moving to Exeter five years ago was the best decision I ever made in terms of rugby”, Johnson continues. “It was a big turning point in what I thought was possible for my rugby career.
“I learned so much from my coaches, but also from just playing in the Prem, and then playing with my teammates. We have such a diverse group of people at Exeter.
“I loved my time in Exeter. But I think with anything, nothing lasts forever. I’m getting a little bit older and need to start transitioning into a different part of life. Playing rugby can be a little bit transient, especially when you don’t have a home base.
“Even though Exeter felt like home at times, I’m not going to settle down there. I think I just needed to shift some priorities, and it was just the right time to make the move.”
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Balancing her passion for rugby with a long-term career in healthcare, Johnson remains clear about both her current priorities and her future plans, “One day, I will definitely head back into nursing as I’m a nurse by trade. I’ll refresh some of my skills in my spare time.
“Right now, I’m focused on the World Cup. That’s my goal. And I’ll deal with some other big decisions once that’s complete.”
When the Rugby World Cup kicks off next week, if selected, Johnson will face a familiar challenge when she lines up against some of her former Exeter teammates. The match promises to be an emotional and competitive reunion, with Johnson bringing her trademark intensity to the field against players she once trained and played alongside.
“It’s so special, playing in the Prem is really cool, there are so many internationals and Red Roses. It’s fun to play rugby against your friends; you know what gets under their skin. That’s a really special part of rugby.
“I think seven or eight years ago, if you had asked me if I would ever play in a World Cup, I would have thought you were joking, and now heading into my second is such a privilege.
“To play somewhere that I was able to call home for a little bit and feel those connections is exciting. I also just feel like the country is really getting behind women’s rugby in particular.”
A powerhouse on the field, Johnson is a quiet character off it who loves nature. “I love taking a walk. It’s nice being back in England, taking a mosey through the fields. I like to read a book, play some cards and do a crossword.”
Rugby in the USA has evolved from a niche sport to a steadily growing presence, with increased participation at youth, collegiate, and professional levels.
The establishment of Major League Rugby in 2018 marked a significant step toward professionalising the sport, drawing international talent and boosting domestic interest.
Johnson couldn’t hide her excitement about the future of the game, “It’s amazing. I think taking a sport in the US that I would say not a lot of people had ever even really heard of before, or was super niche, is now becoming a bit more mainstream. You’re seeing youth rugby programmes develop more.
“Also, getting big personalities like Ilona Maher gets the country excited about the future of the game. The US Sevens team winning bronze (at the Olympics) is something that a country wants to get behind.
“That’s been a big shift in us, just people’s familiarity with rugby and young girls wanting to be involved in that. I think people are obviously way more familiar with the sport. But the hype and the excellence that women’s rugby can bring is fab. It’s exciting!”
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