Greene King sports pub<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe teenager is already studying some of the game\u2019s best to shape his own style \u2014 particularly Springbok powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m watching Pieter-Steph du Toit as much as I can,\u201d Johnson told Mail Online. \u201cBack row and second row have basically become the same role now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Modern rugby\u2019s demand for versatility is something Johnson is embracing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou see guys like Pollock and Ben Earl who could easily play in the backline. Being that kind of versatile player is really important now. Coaches want you to move across positions and cover different roles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson is aiming to become exactly that type of forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be able to play six, seven, eight and second row. You\u2019ve got to be a lineout threat and a carrying threat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite growing up in one of England rugby\u2019s most famous families, Johnson insists he\u2019s focused on carving out his own identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s definitely some pressure with the name, but you\u2019ve got to be your own player,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
His father \u2014 England\u2019s 2003 World Cup-winning captain \u2014 remains a key mentor.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad always says hard work is the most important thing. He worked incredibly hard and that\u2019s something I take from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson actually played football through his early secondary school years before committing fully to rugby. Now, the dream is clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter games we\u2019re always talking. He\u2019ll tell me little things I could have done better or where I could work harder.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy end goal is to play professionally for Leicester. For now it\u2019s just about taking small steps.\u201d<\/p>\n
If his progress continues, the Johnson name may soon be back on the international rugby stage.<\/p>\n
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