London Irish Academy Star Extends Contract

London Irish Academy player, Johnny Williams, has extended his contract with the Club for a further two years.

Johnny played mini and junior rugby with Redingensians RFC prior to joining the London Irish DPP at the age of 14 before progressing in to the EPDG programme.

The centre went on to become part of the London Irish AASE scheme for two seasons where his fine form saw him recognised with a call up to the England under 17s and under 18s squads.

Alongside his senior Academy colleague Theo Brophy-Clews, Johnny has been selected in the England U20s squad and will compete for a place in the 6 Nations and Junior World Championships which will be held in Manchester in 2016.

London Irish Head of Rugby Operations, Glenn Delaney said: “Johnny is an excellent prospect and a player we have been excited by for some time. He has continued to work extremely hard since joining the senior Academy and his day to day work in training with the senior squad, accompanied by the work he has undertaken with the Academy coaches, will see his game develop further over the next few years.”

Commenting on his contract extension, Johnny Williams said: “I have really enjoyed the last few months as a member of the senior Academy and working with the senior squad day in day out has been great for my development as a player. I still have lots to work on and with the help of the Academy coaches; Nick, Paul and Declan I am confident those aspects of my game will improve. I’ve been at London Irish for a long time and delighted to be here for the next two seasons."

London Irish Academy Director, Nick Kennedy said: “Johnny has shown real maturity since moving into the senior Academy. He has a great work ethic and huge desire to improve as a player. We look forward to continuing to work with him over the coming seasons.”