Samoan prop Census Johnston announces retirement

Samoa prop Census Johnston has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate.

Johnston confirmed the news on his 39th birthday on Wednesday in his social media account.

FA’AFETAI, THANKYOU et MERCI
RUGBY FAMILY. 06.05.20 ???? #retirement #rugbychapter #39 #xcj5 pic.twitter.com/Uh5KFKELA7

— Census Johnston (@cenjohnston) May 6, 2020

Johnston started his professional rugby debut with Taraniki in 2005 but achieved major success with Toulouse which he represented between 2009 and 2017. In the process he enjoyed two Top 14 title wins with Toulouse in 2011 and 2012 and also clinched a European Champions Cup with them.

The 6ft 3in prop also enjoyed French championship with Biarritz in 2006 and also has experience of playing for Saracens, Racing 92 and most recently Aviron Bayonnais.

His international debut for Samoa came in 2005 and has gone on to play 60 Tests with his last appearance coming in 2017. He was also part of the Samoan squad that competed in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups.