There has been a lot of love online for Census Johnston after veteran prop announces his retirement

The premature end to the rugby season in France last week has seen another veteran player announce their retirement as Bayonne prop Census Johnston has called an end to his career. The announcement was made on social media on Wednesday on his 38th birthday and he has since received many glowing responses from former team-mates. 

Having played for Biarritz, Saracens, Toulouse, Racing 92 and Bayonne in a 14-year career in the northern hemisphere, the tighthead has amassed many colleagues over the years. 

It is perhaps his compatriots who have recognised his contribution to his country the most, though. Johnston won 57 caps for Samoa and three more for the Pacific Islands in a career that spanned twelve years between 2005 and 2017 and saw him play in three World Cups.

Re-elected World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont guests on the latest episode of The Rugby Pod

Re-elected World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont guests on the latest episode of The Rugby Pod

In light of his contribution to the international game, Seilala Mapasua said: “What (he has) done for Samoa is equivalent to playing 150 tests for a tier-one nation.” Likewise, Junior Poluleuligaga described him as “one of the greats” for Samoa. 

Taking into consideration the fact that Brian Lima holds Samoa’s caps record with 65, it puts Johnston’s longevity and service into context. 

Well done on an awesome career uso. What you’ve done for 🇼🇸 is equivalent to playing 150 tests for a tier 1 nation. Proud to have stood by you in a few of those. Enjoy the next phase as I know you’ll smash it. Alofa aku uso #GiveMeMyMoney https://t.co/OdKTzfdvc4

— Seilala Mapusua (@SeilalaM) May 6, 2020

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2QZQGDOqC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

One of the greats for @SamoaRugby not wanted in Auckland so he left to carve out an exceptional career in Europe. Honoured to have shared the field with you my uce. Thanks for all the memories. Enjoy retirement with the family + see you soon 🙏🏽🇼🇸❤ #ChenChen https://t.co/soPFAS5sTL

— Tino Jnr Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) May 6, 2020

During his time in France and England, Johnston won a Heineken Cup and multiple Top 14 titles with Toulouse, having spent eight years at the Stade Ernest-Wallon between 2009 and 2017. He had already won the French league with Biarritz during a brief stint in 2006 and featured in a European final with them.

He joined Bayonne this season following two years in Paris with Racing 92, but his spell in the south-west has proven to be his last. He leaves having made an impression on many of the players he has played with during his career. 

Congrats Census. What you have done so well for so long,you should be incredibly proud of but it’s the manner you did it ,makes me salute you. Humble, generous to young players,what’s best for the team,thoughtful and always in good form. Congrats brother.
❤️❤️to the fam.

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) May 6, 2020

Incredible career 👏🏾
See ye down south for the rouge🍷soon
A bientot legend 🙌🏾🖤 https://t.co/pdUqmUKJ6v

— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) May 6, 2020

Congrats Sushi . It has been a privilege to play by your side so many years 😘 Amazing career 👏🏾👏🏾

— Thierry Dusautoir (@TitiDusautoir) May 6, 2020

The unfortunate thing for Johnston – and many other players – is that he has been deprived of the chance of a farewell match due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he has plenty of memories across his career to fall back on.