Former Springbok Ashley Johnson has revealed it was primarily a ‘family decision’ to opt against the possibility of joining the Vodacom Bulls.
The former Bok loose forward, who earned three Tests caps, has been playing for Wasps since 2012 but confirmed earlier this week he will exit the English club after eight seasons and 198 matches across all competitions.
News of his Wasps departure sparked rumours that Johnson might be on his way to join White’s Bulls.
Johnson confirmed to Rapport newspaper that he had indeed received an approach from White, but decided it wasn’t the right time for his family to leave England.
‘A couple of weeks ago, Jake contacted me – I know him from my school years, of course – and he has great plans for the Bulls,’ said Johnson.
‘I really wanted to [accept the offer]. I even had the motivation to test myself again in [Vodacom] Super Rugby. I really thought I could come and contribute, especially to teach the younger guys something.
‘But unfortunately, where I was in my career at the time, I was not ready. And more importantly, my family was not. It was a family decision.’
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