Super 15 Blues rugby player to miss season due to heart surgery

The 2018 Super Rugby season is set to begin on 17th February. The 2018 Super Rugby format will change from and 18 teams to a 15 team competition. 

Unfortunately, Matt Johnson will miss the 2018 season for The Blues due to having heart surgery. 

Matt is a midfield back who has played both for the Auckland and Waikato age grade teams, was spotted by NRL scouts playing rugby for St Peters College and the moved to Melbourne Storm to play Rugby League.

He returned to play for the Suburbs club in Auckland before moving to Southland in 2015 to mix studies at the Southern Institute of Technology with his rugby. He consistently impressed for the Stags team in the Mitre 10 Cup in 2017 and has now been selected to come back home to Blues.

He posted to Instagram and Facebook saying:

"Unfortunately I won't be able to wear the jersey this season due to heart surgery needed. Rugby is one part of life, but health is more important and I will bounce back from this again. Thanks to family, friends, and @bluesrugbyteam for their ongoing support. #backsoon"

We're thinking of you Matt and we wish you a speedy recovery!