Getting To Know David Johnston

A product of the province’s underage pathway, get to know Clonmel’s David Johnston who this season graduates from the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy to the senior squad.

2015/16 was a breakthrough season for the centre/fullback, making his competitive senior debut against Treviso at Irish Independent Park in September and going on to make a total of nine PRO12 appearances, including five starts.
 
A Senior Cup winner with Rockwell and older brother of Academy out-half, Bill, last season’s strong performance saw him nominated for the 2016 Academy Player of the Year award.
 
Johnston signed a development contract for the 2016/17 season, advancing to a full contract in 2017/18.

Name:  David Johnston

Favourite Food: Fresh seafood

Book you are currently reading or have just finished:  ‘Win or learn’ by John Kavanagh

Favourite TV programme: Homeland or Game of Thrones

Favourite Film: Catch me if you can

Favourite Actor/Actress: Jake Gyllenhaal 

Most enjoyable holiday location: Lagos, Portugal

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: My coffee machine

Favourite sport other than rugby: Love watching the major golf and tennis tournaments

The sport you least like: Equestrian events

Person you would most like to meet: Tim Ferriss

Sportsperson you admire most: Jonny Wilkinson

Hobbies: Sailing

Where and when did you first play rugby: Clonmel RFC U8s

Biggest influence on career: My Father, for his continued support and enthusiasm for the game

Best career advice you were given: ‘Your attitude not your aptitude will define your altitude’
 
What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Like most – Love seeing improvements in areas I’m working on daily which leads to being successful and winning games.  Like least – it’s not a profession you can easily switch off from, your lifestyle will determine how well you can perform.

Other sports that you played: Hurling and football for Moyle Rovers.

Best rugby memory: My first appearance in Thomond Park when Munster played Glasgow during the 2015/16 season

Rugby player you admire most: Ben Smith

Rugby team you admire most: All Blacks

Sporting event you would most like to attend: Wimbledon final

Three people you would invite to dinner: David Attenborough, Ian McGeechan, Rodger Federer.

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: Physiotherapist

Place in the province you most like be / chill out: Dingle, Co. Kerry

Have you any pre-match rituals: The night before the game I write down my goals for the game and the key plays I’m involved in.  It helps me to relax, knowing what I need to do to succeed.

Fav song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Picture This, Linkin Park, Eminem

Who would you least like to room with and why: Steve McMahon, I spend enough time at home with him as it is!