Melbourne Rebels sign Lloyd Johansson to mark his return to Australian Rugby Union
Melbourne based Australian Super Rugby franchise, Melbourne Rebels, has announced the signing of the former Wallabies international backs players, Lloyd Johansson. Club officials have confirmed the deal with Johansson to mark his return to the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) in a statement released at the club’s official website on Tuesday, September 13.
Johansson became the first Victorian player who has been handed a professional contract by the 2011 Super Rugby new entrants, Melbourne Rebels.
Melbourne Rebels newly appointed head coach, Damien Hill, has expressed his delight on acquiring the services of the former international centre. He added that his inclusion will pave the way for youngsters and other Victorian players to play and compete for the Rebels.
While talking to the club’s official website, Hill commented on Johansson and said, “Lloyd has plied his trade in Australia and overseas but now he has the chance to play professional rugby in his home town of Melbourne.”
Hill has praised Johansson’s skills and abilities by saying, “He has a great combination of speed and power which will add another dimension to our midfield.”
The Melbourne born Johansson started playing his rugby in Australia before moving overseas to Italy in 2009. He started playing his rugby with amateur clubs, which include Melbourne based Box Hill and East Coast Aces. Johansson progressed his way up towards the national side and has played for the Australia at Australia School Boys, Australian Under-19s and Under-21s respectively.
The 26-year-old Johansson made his professional senior club debut for the Australian provincial side Gold Coast Breakers in 2004. He played 27 games for the Breakers and scored 31 impressive points. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in 2005.
Johansson quickly established himself at the national level following his impressive running, defensive skills, ball handling and kicking skills. He made his international debut for Wallabies against the All Blacks during their 2005 Bledisloe Cup encounter. He made 20 international appearances for Australia and scored 5 points for them.
2006 season was Johansson’s best season in the ARU. At the start of the 2007 season, he served a two match suspension, which later has resulted in him losing his form. In 2008, he did no play any game of the Super Rugby competition, while in 2009, the Reds declined to offer him a new contract.
Later, Johansson joined the Italian professional Rugby Union club MPS Viadana to re-gain his form. Following his stint with Viadana he joined Honda Heart in Japan. Earlier this year, he was part of the Rebels development tour of UK and Ireland.
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