SAMOAN PROP CENSUS Johnston could soon find himself in a club vs country row, after Toulouse’s management team expressed their disappointment at his decision to come out of international retirement.
Johnston had retired from test rugby in April after 47 caps, signing a new contract with the Top 14 semi-finalists.
However, Johnston has been persuaded to come out of retirement for tomorrow’s historic test against the All-Blacks, which has disappointed his employers.
The new management team of Fabien Pelous and Ugo Mola have said they were unaware Johnston was intending to make an international u-turn, with Mola in particular saying the player could be disciplined when he returns.
While Johnton has been named to start in tomorrow’s game, it’s unclear whether of not he’ll make himself available for the World Cup.
Pelous told French rugby magazine Rugbyrama: “We thought that Census had retired from international rugby. The fact that he is playing against the All Blacks is a bit of a surprise and unsettling.”
Mola’s comments seem even more ominous, hinting that the club may sanction the 34-year-old for reneging on his international retirement.
“When you lose a key player from your squad that should be present for pre-season but is not, there will be consequences,” he said.
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)