JOHNNO BACK FROM HIS BAN

ASHLEY JOHNSON makes his first start for Wasps tomorrow since being suspended after failing a drugs test. The Wasps back row (above) takes on Leicester after his six-month ban was controversially backdated to the day of the failed test – despite him playing four matches following the date of taking the substance. The South African, who replaces injured Brad Shields, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, but claims he mistakenly consumed his wife’s dietary supplement instead of his own legal Nutri Lean. Johnson’s start coincides with a debut for All Blacks fly-half Lima Sopoaga against a Tigers side playing away for the first time under interim boss Geordan Murphy. England prop Joe Marler, a late withdrawal from the Harlequins side last week, returns on the bench at home to Bath. Worcester forward Cornell du Preez, still in hospital with a serious throat injury, will be unable to speak for another month.