Football. Johnston counts, now coach: “Guy Noves was my father in Toulouse”

After nearly 12 years in France, Johnston’s count returned to New Zealand. The former Samoan prop, now 41, has embraced a career as atrainer which he has led since 2022 within Oakland The Blues, the city club he belongs to.

Rugby News He was lucky to find him in his new element, after a training session. And inevitably, we opened the box for memories. How not to start addressing Quarz-Nyein Béarn, the first club (in Federal 1 at the time) to see a huge Johnston population land in France?

“When I was 20, my New Zealand coach told me about Coarraze-Nay. He wanted me to spend six months there. Johnston told us he thought it would do me good in my work. Of this brief passage he keeps excellent memories, as well as a very good feeling about The kindness of the French.

If he returns to Auckland, the end of the adventure does not happen as he would like. “So I decided to leave.” And guess where he put his bags? In France, next to Biarritz Olympique who was looking for a medical clown.

8 years in Toulouse

In BO, the syllable is short, but “Sushi”, his nickname, characterizes spirits, particularly of English clubs. The Muslims lured him into their nets before she felt the desire to return to France. And when it is Toulouse stadiumthe club that has always appreciated his style of play, knocks on his door, and does not hesitate for a moment.

“I have a lot of things in mind for this club. I still keep in touch with people there who are friends. All the titles I could win with this club, I will never forget. Chiseled all my life. Oh, what good times! Johnston conjures, not without Moein Haneen.Within Ville Rose, he has an impressive record, winning 1 European Cup (2009) and 3 Brennus Shields (2008, 2011 and 2012).

This last title had a special flavor for Census Johnston, as he tells us: “The title against Toulon in the final remains a huge memory because it was not easy to win. At the end of the match, we are very close to defeat. Thanks to the scrum we were champions of France.”

This sector of ruckusSamoan (60 picks) was a standard during his stay in France, while before landing in France he “hated it”. But he soon fell in love with her. “The scrum is the most important stage of the game, because if you are taken at this level by the opponent, you have a chance to lose the match. It is important to hit hard on the opposite front line,” explains Johnston.

Praise for Guy Novice

Who says Toulouse, he also says Jay Novice. And when that name resonates, it lights a certain flame in Census Johnston, as the former manager pointed out. “Guy, my father was in Toulouse! He is someone I respect a lot.” The old prop continues:

It can be tough at times, but it’s fair. he is telling the truth. I admit it was difficult at times to stay put, but he wanted to make you progress on an individual level. I really liked his mentality.

“Sushi” admits that he recently wrote to Guy Novis: “I sent him a letter for Christmas, asking him if he was healthy, if it was the same with his family.” Nice note.

Johnston Training Blues Enumeration

Johnston Counts is now working as a coach, having moved back to New Zealand due to family concerns. He was in charge of the Blues scrum squad, but says he was a little “troubled” about the interest in country in this sector of play.

“The way we play and think is very different here than in France. In France, we place a lot of importance on touch, whereas here, we spend a lot less time there. But he’s used to it. And he’s seen his role develop at the Blues since then.” General coach of the women’s team. In his spare time, he always watches what is happening in France.

Johnston’s census recognizes the appreciation of the “current generation” of blues. “There’s a real balance in this team. They’re really complete. They’re very strong on a conquest level. They won’t be far from being world champions. The only team that can beat them is Ireland. Before concluding:

World Cup 2023 will be very difficult. For me, there are 5 teams that can be world champions. France remains the favourite.

CM, with Nicolas DENDRI in Auckland

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