London Wasps have confirmed the signature of Cheetahs loose forward Ashley Johnson on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old former hooker, who has a few Bok caps to his name, has endured a frustrating Super Rugby season to date, with Cheetahs Naka Drotske opting to use hi as an impact replacement this year, rather than a starting option. Johnson has himself confirmed the move via Twitter, although the timing of his departure is not yet known. It is assumed, though, that he’ll head to the UK ahead of the start of the next UK season in mid-year.
Wasps, who are struggling financially and may go into administration unless new investment can be obtained, have also signed veteran Welsh flyhalf Stephen Jones.
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Big loss for the Free State, but I get the feeling Naka knew about this, thus playing him off the bench..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 1) : that’s quite possible.
I guess a lot of the guys who know they aren’t going to be Boks under Meyer are starting to think off their wallets… ditto Hargreaves, I’d say
I wonder if the uncertainty surrounding the whole Kings promotion didn’t also play a part in his decision to leave? I mean, why go to Wasps if they’re in financial difficulty?
@robdylan (Comment 2) :
Hargreaves had no chance of making it into a Bok squad on his form over the last year or so..
Probably the right move for both of them.
The big question is… Who else is going?
@robdylan (Comment 2) : I think that is a contributing factor Rob but I also think the large number of injuries being sustained by super rugby players is playing a big part too. These guys only have so much time to make money in the sport and if they find themselves out injured for a major part of the year their value and their income is seriously affected.
Probably explains the inexplicable – Drotske starting journeymen ahead of him.
Sad to see him go – one of the more exciting loosies to watch – also one of the few to attack the gain line from depth.
@StevieS (Comment 3) : financial difficulty is putting it mildly. They only have enough money to operate until the end of the season. After that there is no more money. They have no assets apart from their players.