California native Justin Johnson played in Major League Rugby between 2021-2022. He represented the New England Free Jacks for his entire MLR career.

A native of Inglewood, CA, flanker Justin Johnson attended the rugby powerhouse Life University and was named a Collegiate All-American twice while there, winning two national championships and also representing the USA U20s and USA Selects. He was one of MLR’s first ever draft picks, being selected in the 1st Round, 6th Overall by the New England Free Jacks in MLR’s Inaugural Collegiate Draft in 2020.

During his rookie season, Johnson was a key contributor for the Free Jacks. He started 9 of his 14 appearances for New England, scoring 1 try and completing 70 tackles while running for just under 200m gained. He would add another 3 appearances off the bench for the Free Jacks the following season, in 2022.

Since 2022, Johnson has served as assistant coach at Harvard (2022-2024) and has coached the USA U20s winter camp in 2023. In February 2025, he joined the Penn State Men’s Rugby coaching team as an assistant coach. 

Achievements:

• MLR Draftee: 2020 – 1st Round (6th Overall) – New England Free Jacks