Forward Reinforcements for the Mob

August 23, 2023

Having confirmed sixteen members of his squad on Monday evening, Ampthill Head Coach Paul Turner had released details of ten forwards who will add significant experience and power to his pack in the 2023-24 season

First up is New Zealand born tighthead prop James (JJ) Johnston (1.88m, 140kg) who arrives from Stade Nicois (Nice Rugby). Johnston boasts 170 Premiership appearances, a Premiership winners medal with Harlequins and 16 caps for his native Samoa.

Joining Johnston in the front row is the returning James Flynn (1.83m, 120kg) who joins from Saracens. Flynn was with the Mob in the clubs first season in the Championship before joining Jersey Reds where his performances earnt him a contract at Saracens! A dynamic ball carrier with great hands – Flynn is regarded as one of the best looseheads in the league!

Johnston will have competition for the No3 jersey from Luke Yendle (1.86m, 119kg). Yendle who joins on loan from Dragons is a Welsh U20 international with Championship experience at Jersey Reds in the 22/23 season.

Loosehead Jasper McGuire (1.83m, 117kg) joined Saracens from Newcastle University this summer and will spend the season on loan with Ampthill to gain experience.

Hooker Ben Pogson (1.85m, 104kg) joins Ampthill from Wasps Senior Academy where he started as a centre before moving to back-row and then hooker. Ben spent some time training with Ampthill at the end of last season and made an appearance for the 1881s.

Another young hooker joining the Mob is Ben Chapman (1.82m, 102kg). Ben joins from Cardiff University where he was named in the BUCS Rugby Team of the Season and has represented England Counties at U18 and England Students.

Welsh Lock Griff Evans (1.98, 110kg) joins from Scarlets along with Back Row Iestyn Rees (1.90m, 107kg). Griff and Iestyn were both members of Welsh Premiership Club Champions Llandovery last season.

Rhys will compete with Ex-London Irishman Josh Smart (1.90m, 108kg) for a place in the starting back row. Smart was on dual registration last season and made 11 appearances for the club.

New faces in the pack are completed by young Samoan Sam Asotasi (1.88m, 106kg). Asotasi can play anywhere across the back row and has represented Samoa A and U20s. He joined the Saracens Senior Academy this summer and will spend the season on loan to gain regular game time.

Paul Turner “I’m on record as saying I’m really pleased with the recruitment this summer. We’ve added a good blend of youth and experience – the two James in the front row will be a force to be reckoned with and I’m excited to see what Luke, Iestyn and Griff bring to the Championship”

Details of new backs will follow later this week. The preseason friendly against Nottingham Rugby kicks off at 2pm this Saturday. Match and Season Tickets are available at www.ampthillrufc.com/match-tickets/

Members who renew before 5pm on Friday 25^th August will receive a FREE family ticket (two adults and two children) for the game.