Johnny
McNicholl

With no High School first XV at Cashmere High School, Johnny McNicholl had his big break from Sydenham Rugby Club's Colt side, into the Canterbury Academy and then selected for the Crusaders Development side in 2011 (prior to the Crusaders Academy being formed in 2015). Johnny scored two tries in both games, his performance solidifying his selection for the Canterbury provincial team a few months later where he scored two tries on his debut.

Johnny made it to the starting line up in his debut for the Crusaders in 2013, in a narrow loss to the Hurricanes and scored his first Super Rugby try the following week. Missing only one game in 2014, he was the third equal top try scorer for the competition.

After winning the Canterbury V Tasman final of 2016, Johnny left for the Scarlets in Wales where remained until 2024, scoring 57 tries in 120 games. He also earnt 10 caps for the Welsh national team after his debut in 2020 versus France.

Johnny returned home to the Crusaders in 2024 and will be looking to play his 50th game in the 2025 season.