JOHNSON STAYS PUT IN HOPE OF FIRST SCOTS CAP

SAM JOHNSON has signed a new two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors that keeps his dream of playing for Scotland on track. The Australian-born centre moved to Scotstoun from Super Rugby outfit Queensland Reds and has gone on to play 42 times for the Warriors. Having spent three years at Glasgow, he now qualifies for Scotland through residency and was named by Gregor Townsend in his national squad in October at the first available opportunity. The 25-year-old was due to make his debut against Fiji in the November Tests but picked up an injury just days after his call-up, meaning he missed all four of the international matches that month. ‘It was an easy decision for me to make,’ said Johnson yesterday. ‘I’ve fallen in love with the club and the city in my three years here and I’m looking forward to the future. ‘I had no idea how long I’d be here for when I first joined but it’s testament to the club that Glasgow now feels like home and I’m excited to be running out at Scotstoun for the next couple of seasons at least.’ Warriors head coach Dave Rennie added: ‘I’ve been really impressed with Sam in my time with the club. He’s made some real shifts and his work ethic and determination to improve really epitomises what a good man he is. ‘On the pitch, he’s excellent both sides of the ball, is a really good communicator and has been at the heart of some of our best performances this last couple of years. We’re delighted that he’s sticking around.’