Sam Burgess swoops for England Sevens star who wants to ‘repay the faith’ Super League giants have shown in him
Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has signed Alfie Johnson.
Warrington Wolves head coach and former England rugby union star Sam Burgess has completed the signing of Sevens exponent Alfie Johnson on a two-year contract.
The Super League giants, who were last week knocked out of the competition by Hull KR in a thrilling semi-final, have announced the deal with the exciting player.
Johnson follows Burgess in making a cross-code switch in his rugby journey, with the 23-year-old predominantly playing union and Sevens in his career thus far.
Great Britain Sevens
The youngster has represented England and Great Britain on the international Sevens stage but has more recently starred whilst playing for Leeds Rhinos Reserves.
Johnson is expected to join up with his new Warrington Wolves team-mates when pre-season training kicks off in November, with the club keen to build on 2024.
“Warrington is a massive club with a massive fanbase and I’m really excited for the opportunity,” he said.
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“As soon as Sam [Burgess] and Gary Chambers got in touch I was set on making the move. I’ve always had the ambition to play professional rugby at the top level. I want to get my head down now and work hard to be the best version of myself and repay the faith the club has shown in me.
“I feel rugby league really suits my style of play and attributes where I can be effective both sides of the ball. I can’t wait to get started.”
Burgess, who only took charge at Warrington this year, has enjoyed an impressive first campaign as he came agonisingly close to taking the team to the Grand Final.
Big pre-season ahead
The former Bradford Bulls, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Bath player, who represented England in rugby union’s Rugby World Cup in 2015, is excited by the move.
“It’s great to welcome Alfie to the club,” he said.
“His main attributes and style suit perfectly to rugby league and he’s got a big pre-season in front of him now to build on his potential.”