Joe Johnston Bio
Joe Johnston is a New Zealand rugby union player, currently playing for the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby (MLR). He plays as a flanker and has previously represented teams such as Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Notable for his impressive performance at Kings College, Johnston has garnered attention in both local and international rugby, helping his teams achieve significant milestones.
Early Life and Background
Joe Johnston was born on 31 January 1998 in New Zealand. He attended Kings College, where he played for the school’s rugby team during his last two years of high school. Johnston made an immediate impact at the historically strong school team, helping the Auckland Boys’ School to a top four national finish in 2015. In his final year, he captained the side, showcasing his leadership and skill on the field. His performances caught national attention, and in 2016, he earned selection for and captained the New Zealand Schools Barbarians side that won the Trans-Tasman shield.
Path to Rugby
After completing his education, Joe Johnston began his professional rugby career in 2019 with Bay of Plenty, participating in the Mitre 10 Cup. His early career was marked by significant achievements, including his selection for the China Lions in the 2020 Global Rapid Rugby season. Johnston’s talent and hard work led him to sign with the New England Free Jacks ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season, where he quickly became a key player.
Joe Johnston Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Joe Johnston made his professional debut with Bay of Plenty in 2019, where he showcased his abilities as a flanker. During his time with Bay of Plenty, he played in the 2019 and 2020 seasons of the Mitre 10 Cup. His performances were instrumental in the team’s success, and he quickly established himself as a promising player in New Zealand rugby.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Johnston signed with the New England Free Jacks for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. He appeared in 14 games during his first season and scored three tries, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. In the following seasons, he continued to excel, appearing in 17 games in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, scoring three tries in each. His contributions helped the Free Jacks win their first-ever MLR championship in 2023. After the championship, Johnston joined Waikato to finish out the 2023 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Joe Johnston has become known for his leadership and performance on the field, particularly with the New England Free Jacks. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them secure multiple championships.
Joe Johnston Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joe Johnston has been recognized for his contributions to rugby, particularly during his time with the New England Free Jacks and Bay of Plenty.
Joe Johnston Awards Won
Joe Johnston has achieved significant milestones in his rugby career, including winning championships with the New England Free Jacks. His leadership and performance have made him a standout player in Major League Rugby.
Joe Johnston Family
Joe Johnston’s family has a strong connection to rugby. His mother grew up in Boston, and his father played rugby in New England. His brother, Alex Johnston, also plays rugby professionally, indicating a family legacy in the sport.
Personal Life
After the 2023 MLR season, Joe Johnston made the decision to return to New Zealand to finish his degree in business management and worked in construction. He eventually returned to rugby, playing club rugby and winning the Baywide Championship with Te Puke. This success led to his return to professional rugby with Bay of Plenty and his eventual comeback to the United States to play for the New England Free Jacks.