Johnson says Chiefs are keen to kick on

By Harry Scott-Munro
5/2/22

Exeter Chiefs flanker Rachel Johnson maintains that her side will learn and grow into the rest of the season, starting with today's seismic Allianz Premier 15s clash with Gloucester-Hartpury at Kingsholm (12.30pm).

Whilst last weekend’s draw against Wasps may not have been a defeat, the squad admitted that it felt like one afterwards. Johnson was honest in her admission that there had been some tough questions within the camp following the performance, but insisted that her side will be better for it in the long run.

“Last weekend was tough for the whole squad, but we’ve really stepped up and held ourselves accountable for the performance,” she explained. “It wasn’t our best and we know that we have more in us. I believe in this squad, so as long as we believe in ourselves, we can definitely turn that performance around.”

Off the back of that performance, the squad have looked to up the energy in training, with the US Eagle feeling that this week had been “one of the best weeks of training we’ve had so far.”

“There’s been a lot of attention to detail from the whole squad and super high energy," she said. "There’s been a lot of focus on our attacking breakdown and our connections across the pitch. But it’s been a really productive week of training.”

Johnson is under no illusion of the challenge her side will be facing against Gloucester-Hartpury with the hosts in fine form, despite slipping up against champions Harlequins last weekend.

“They are always formidable. They’ve put in some really good performances recently. Coming off of the loss to Quins and with that opportunity to play at Kingsholm, I’m expecting them to put in a really strong performance,” acknowledged Johnson. “But it’s one that I think we can meet head on, and it should be a really fun match.”

Johnson arrived in the South West in January last year and has since become a key component in what has become a formidable Chiefs pack. The flanker beamed when asked to speak of her time at the club, feeling that learning in the Exeter environment has helped develop her further as a player.

“Playing here has been an amazing opportunity and chance to work with my team-mates,” she smiled. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence as part of this squad. I think I’m growing each game which is really exciting.”