Lloyd Johansson

Centre

Profile
Height:	181 cms
Weight:	108 kgs
Date Of Birth:	05/02/1985
Place of Birth:	Melbourne, Victoria

Stats
Super Rugby Caps:	19
Super Rugby Points:	5 (1t)
Super Rugby Debut:	2005 (for the Reds)
Test Rugby Caps:	3
Test Rugby Points:	5 (1t)
Test Rugby Debut:	2005

Lloyd Johansson has the honour of being the first Victorian to be contracted to the RaboDirect Rebels. The former Wallaby Centre joins his home-state club for the start of the 2012 season after impressing on the club’s 2011 development tour. Originally from Melbourne, Lloyd competed for Victoria up to under-16 level before completing his education and Rugby Union training on the Gold Coast.

The 26-year old Inside Centre is preparing for his second stint in Super Rugby after representing the Queensland Reds from 2005 to 2008. His talent was identified early, with successful appearances at international level from schoolboys through to under-21’s indicating Lloyd’s bright future in the game.

It did not take long for Lloyd to make his impact. Shortly after establishing himself for the Reds, the then 20-year-old made his debut for the Wallabies – scoring within two minutes of his arrival in the 2005 Bledisloe Cup encounter against the All Blacks in Auckland.

In 2007 Lloyd was the inaugural Captain of the East Coast Aces, one of the two Queensland franchises in the Australian Rugby Championship. Despite only existing for one season, that squad contained future Wallabies of the calibre of Quade Cooper and Rob Simmons.

Lloyd left Australia in 2008 to take up a contract with Italian side Viadana. He played in Italy for three seasons, gaining experience in European Rugby Union’s premier club competition, the Heineken Cup.

After returning to Australia in 2011, Lloyd spent the Super Rugby postseason as part of an extended Rebels training squad, earning a spot on the club’s Development Tour of the UK and Ireland. His performances subsequently earned him a contract with the club for 2012.

As a player, Lloyd is renowned for his strength and physicality in the midfield. Frequently described as a wrecking-ball, he is a ferocious tackler and destructive runner who will offer considerable bulk to the Rebels’ backline. Off the field, Lloyd’s profile as a professional Victorian Rugby Union player will be a valuable asset as the RaboDirect Rebels continue to grow throughout the state.

Lloyd is sure to be an instant fan-favourite as Victoria’s Rugby Union community has its first opportunity to salute one of its own.