The open-side flanker has come on board from nearby Oxford Harlequins and is desperate to make a mark in Berkshire.
He explained: “From speaking to (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds), (General Manager) Ash (Rowden) and also Willo (Bicknell) – a good friend who I’ve played with for a long time – the aspirations are clear.
“There’s a very competitive environment with a massive desire to do well, and it’s spurred me on to join.
“There’s a constant striving to get better and I’m sure I’ll be able to develop my own game here.
“Everyone was also very welcoming which was nice.”
He continued: “There are fantastic facilities with the gym, the indoor arena, the clubhouse.
“I’ve seen the crowds for home games and it’s incredible support. It would be an honour to pull on the shirt and hopefully I could do them proud.”
Newcomer boosted by Willo and Ant’s impact
Johnny followed up about Willo’s step up to become Players’ Player of the Season last term.
He said: “It showed he had everything to be able to play at a higher level, and with attitude and drive it shows what can be done.
“It was great to see him do so well.”
Johnny’s career – which has featured time with Oxfordshire coached by Rams’ prop Ant Marris – has been varied and globe-trotting.
He first picked up a ball at Dumpton School in Dorset when seven years old, quickly joining Bournemouth RFC.
Senior school was at a Canford outfit featuring Rosslyn Park flyer Luke Mehson, Johnny’s boys reaching the quarter-finals of the NatWest Cup.
He made a Dorset & Wilts County Under 20s debut remarkably before playing for the U18s, and then headed to Australia for a gap year.
He beamed: “I loved it. I was working as a gappie at St Joseph’s Nudgie, which was a big rugby school.
“I played my first game of pre-season for Brothers RFC against University of Queensland in Suncorp Stadium, which was good fun.
“Things were cut short by Covid, but it was still brilliant.”
Covid disruptions before back-to-back promotions
Chartered surveyor Johnny then joined Oxford Brookes University.
And despite not being able to play properly as a fresher due to the pandemic, made his mark in the two years to come.
Along with Willo the back row duo helped Oxford Harlequins get promoted to Level Five in the 2021/22 campaign, before Johnny enjoyed Championship action with London Scottish.
He returned to Quins as a loanee as they won Regional One Midlands to reach the National Leagues for the first time.
Another addition to Johnny’s resume came last October when he made his international debut, a tale again starting close to home.
He revealed: “I qualify for the German national team through my grandmother on my mum’s side.
“And I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to represent them in the annual UKAF Remembrance match in November.
“Then I played in the Rugby Europe Championship in the spring, coming up against some talented opposition.
“Germany is really looking to promote its rugby and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
And explaining his Modus Operandi for what fans can expect from our new No. 7 competitor, Johnny said: “I love a jackal.
“That’s my bread and butter – getting over the ball and targeting turnovers and penalties.
“And then also lots of energy, linking with the backs.
“I’ve always idolised Richie McCaw and his work rate off the ball, hopefully the Ramily can see this in action.”
