Ashley Johnson

On 20 April 2018 it was revealed that Johnson had tested positive for a "prohibited substance" in an out of competition drugs test on 7 February 2018 and was suspended until further notice. It was later revealed that hydrochlorothiazide was found in his urine — according to Johnson this was due to consuming his wife's dietary supplement — and the RFU ruled that this was due to carelessness, imposing a six-month ban on Johnson, allowing him to return to rugby duties on 7 August 2018.

On 11 April 2012, Johnson signed for English side Wasps in the Aviva Premiership for the 2012/13 season.

In 2006 Ashley joined the Free State Cheetahs. Between 2008 and 2009 he was loaned to the Griffons Rugby team for short stints, as Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské planned to give Ashley more game time. It was also during this time that Naka Drotské experimented by playing Ashley at Hooker (No. 2) position, but due to injury problems in the loose forwards Ashley Johnson was recalled and had his first true chance to shine at No.8 where he excelled. This earned him his first call-up for the Springboks (South African International Rugby Union Team) in the November 2009 tour to the British Isles.

Ashley Johnson (born 16 May 1986 in Wynberg, South Africa) is a professional rugby union player who currently plays for Wasps in the Aviva Premiership. He previously played for Free State Cheetahs at provincial level, Cheetahs in the Super Rugby and the Springboks. His usual position is hooker, having converted from backrow whilst with current club Wasps. His first game for the Springboks was in 2009 on tour to the British Isles, but he only earned his first Test Caps in the 2011 Tri-Nations series.