Saracens have confirmed the signing of former Penrith Rugby Club youth player and current Newcastle Falcons back Louie Johnson on a long-term deal.
And 20-year-old Johnson, from Clifton, says he is relishing the chance to play in high pressure games for the reigning Gallagher Premiership champions and three-times European Cup winners and to test himself at the top level.
Johnson’s move from Falcons, where he graduated from the academy into the first XV, making 16 appearances to date, was confirmed last Thursday.
The talented fly half, who can also play at full back, told the Herald he first heard of Saracens’ interest through his agent in November.
“It was important for me not to get distracted by this and focus on each (Falcons) game at hand,” he explained. “It’s very easy to get carried away and succumb to pressure so you really do have to take things day by day. I had some Zoom calls with their coaches and at that point it really became a genuine option for me. They’ve been great since I’ve signed and kept in contact — and are now helping me find somewhere to live!”
Johnson is a former Penrith Queen Elizabeth Grammar student who continued his studies at Sedbergh School.
He admitted it was a tough decision to end his long association with Falcons, who are anchored at the Premiership basement with a fledgling squad after defeats in all 14 league games so far.
“The club has been a big part of my life since I joined at 13,” said Johnson. “I’ve had some great experiences and been alongside some great coaches and players. However, I’m excited to be joining Saracens next season. They’re a massive club, with a history of winning. The coaches, players and environment excites me and I know it’ll get the best out of me. I feel it’s the right decision to help me fulfil my potential and hopefully this comes to fruition.
“I’m most excited about being in a team that is competing to win things. I want to play in high pressure games, where the stakes are high. That’s where you really test yourself and see what you’re made of.
“I’m not setting myself any targets to begin with as I don’t know what to expect. I’m anticipating challenges, such as fitting into a new play style. I don’t know how long it will take for me to feel comfortable in the new environment and I’m fine with that.
“I guess my target is to make sure every day I turn up best prepared and give 100 per cent so that I give myself the best opportunity.”
Johnson — capped by England at under-20 and under-18 level — will link up with Saracens when pre-season training begins some time in July. He is one of two new fly halves signed by the club — 24-year-old Fergus Burke is also arriving from New Zealand side Crusaders — with England star Owen Farrell leaving to join French side Racing 92, who are coached by Stuart Lancaster, from Culgaith.
I don’t want to think about ‘filling Owen Farrell’s boots’,” said Johnson, “because they’re probably the biggest boots in England. Fortunately I don’t feel any added pressure when people speak about it like that, though. I know the biggest pressure on me comes from within as I know what I want to achieve. Any external noise to that is irrelevant.”
Since last Thursday’s signing announcement, said Johnson, the best messages and interactions he’d had were from and with people who had known him since he was young, saying: “They always tell me how proud they are and that means a lot to me from people that gave their time and effort to me a long time ago.”
Reacting to news of Johnson’s departure from Falcons, chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “I would like to thank Louie for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best for his move down to London. He was made a good offer to remain with us, but ultimately we have to respect his decision.”
In response, Johnson said: “I’ll reflect on my time at Falcons with lots of gratitude. Some of the academy coaches I had at an early age were some of the best coaches I’ve had and it’s no wonder the academy production line is strong at Falcons.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have come through that academy. I’m also proud to have been able to represent the club I supported through my childhood and where I played on the back pitches as an under-10.”
Johnson follows in the footsteps of another ex-Penrith man, Mike Ellery, an England Sevens player, who also spent time at Saracens around a decade ago.
Saracens’ director of rugby Mark McCall told the club’s official website that Johnson was a great signing. “Louie has shown considerable promise so early in his career and we were very impressed with the maturity with which he handled his exposure to both Premiership and European competition.
“We are confident we can help him fulfil his clear potential in the years to come, he stated.”
Johnson’s parents are Gary and Rachel. His younger brother, Harley, was part of the Falcons Academy under-18 squad during 2023-24, and made his Penrith first team debut on Saturday.
