Eighty-game former Southland rugby player Phil Johnson has died suddenly at age 59, in what’s a shock to many, including those in the rugby community.
Johnson was a pivotal player at centre for Southland in the late 80s and early 90s, and continued to play a key role in Southland rugby following his playing days when he took up refereeing.
Johnson made his provincial debut as a 22-year-old in 1988, and he was part of the Southland team that beat Canada that year.
He also lined up against other international touring teams in Invercargill, including in the loss to the British & Irish Lions in 1993, who he scored a try against, and also a showdown with South Africa in 1994.
Johnson was part of one of Southland rugby’s more famous wins in 1994 when they beat Hawke’s Bay in the Division 2 final at Rugby Park in Invercargill to be promoted to Division 1 in the NPC.
The last of his 80 games for Southland was the nail-biting 13-12 loss to King Country at Rugby Park in 1995, which saw Southland drop from Division 1 to Division 2 in the NPC.
On top of his pivotal role in the maroon jersey of Southland, Johnson was also a key figure in one of Southland club rugby’s most dominant runs.
Johnson was part of the Invercargill Blues team, which won eight straight Galbraith Shield titles from 1987 to 1994.
He also made a significant contribution in Southland as a rugby referee.