AG Signs Former Raptors Winger Nick Johnson

AUSTIN, TX (April 21, 2021) AG Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of American winger Nick Johnson. The Denver, Colorado native adds even more firepower to an already dangerous AG’s back-three unit.

AG Head Coach Sam Harris has been most impressed by Johnson’s keen understanding of the game. “In Nick, I saw a player that’s hungry for work and a good finisher that’s stout on defense and had a good read on him,” says Harris. “Now what I’m seeing is that he’s a very well-educated rugby player - and a natural rugby player at that, the game comes easy to him.”

“Joining this team is a huge opportunity for me to continue to play professional rugby in a place in a new environment, with new coaches, and I’m just ready to take all that on and help the team win,” says Johnson. “This last week has been a really awesome experience getting a fast-tracked education into what it means to be an AG, and all the guys and staff have made it easy.” It helps that the team happens to be on its first-ever three-game winning streak.

The 6’0 215lbs wing is already familiar with Will Magie and Bryce Campbell after having been backline running mates with the USA Eagles duo for two years in Colorado with the Glendale Raptors.

“Having former teammates in your new squad definitely helps, but I’ve also really enjoyed soaking up the different energies and ideas from the guys in the HQ,” says Johnson.

Johnson joins Magie in a hot back-three unit that also includes: speedster Rodrick Waters, Rookie of the year front-runner Conner Mooneyham, Canadian-international wings Cole Davis and Jeff Hassler, fan-favorite fullback Zinzan Elan-Puttick, and former All Blacks wing Frank Halai.

Johnson will be more of a bruiser ball-carrier than his back-three teammates. Johnson played in six matches for the Raptors in 2019 and tallied 177 minutes, 272 meters and 3 tackles breaks on 22 carries.

Sam Harris believes Nick Johnson will work into the lineup soon enough, “He’s been a valuable asset to the team already and I have no doubt he’ll play for the AGs this year it’s just a matter of timing.”

Welcome to the AGs, Nick Johnson!