Johnson signing makes big point

FYLDE rugby club have clinched the signing of fly-half Chris Johnson, a prolific points scorer with Huddersfield.

Johnson will cross the Pennines next season after a career at Huddersfield, which saw him score more than 1,700 points in 149 league matches.

He will bring his kicking and play-making experience to the Woodlands next season, as well as plenty of experience at a high level.

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Johnson has been part of the Lancashire County Championship winning team, coached by Fylde’s Mark Nelson, and the talented half-back has also represented England Counties.

Nelson regards it as a coup to sign him as Fylde bid to consolidate, or improve, on their fourth placing in the 2011-12 season in National League One.

Nelson said: “I am delighted to get a player like Johnson on board, as he has such an outstanding record.

“He will relish the challenge of playing at this level with Fylde.”

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Johnson’s arrival will signal more arrivals at the Woodlands. The Fylde coach said: “I am hoping it will breach the dam in terms of signings and we could have three or more signings.”

One possible departure is centre Mike Waywell. He is likely to decide this week whether to take up an offer to join a leading Italian club.

Nelson said he would like to keep Waywell, but admitted playing in Italy was an attractive proposition.

“It is a full-time operation and the Italian club concerned will be playing European rugby next season. We would fully understand if Mike accepted an offer that was too good to turn down, and he would go with our best wishes.”

Fylde’s ranks have already been depleted by the retirement at the end of the club season by second-row forward Grant Ferguson.