Johnston handed RWC farewell

Toulouse - Census Johnston will get to play in his third Rugby World Cup only months after announcing his retirement from Test rugby when he was called up to the Samoan squad on Friday.

The 34-year-old 51-times capped prop - who called time on his international career in April on the back of signing an extension to his contract with French giants Toulouse - gets his chance as Leicester Tigers Logovi'i Mulipola is injured.

"Huge honour to be called back into @manusamoa squad for the World Cup. looking forward to joining the team Monday," tweeted Johnston, who played in the 2007 and 2011 editions.

The New Zealand-born Johnston, who has won three French titles, two with Toulouse and one with Biarritz as well as a European Cup with his present side, will first have to come through unscathed in unbeaten Toulouse's Top 14 clash with struggling newboys Pau on Sunday.

Johnston could be back with Toulouse by mid-October if Samoa fail to reach the knockout stages -- they have been drawn in Pool B alongside two-time world champions South Africa, Scotland, 2019 hosts Japan and the United States.

The tournament - in which the All Blacks are the defending champions - runs from September 18 to October 31 in England, although a few games are being played in Wales.

Revised Samoan Rugby World Cup squad after the call-up on Friday of prop Census Johnston (name, position, age) ahead of the tournament being hosted by England which runs from September 18 to October 31:

Samoa

Coach: Stephen Betham (SAM)

Backs

Vavao Afemai - scrumhalf, age 23

Kahn Fotuali'i - scrumhalf, age 33

Patrick Fa'apale - flyhalf, age 24

Tusi Pisi - flyhalf, age 33

Michael Stanley - flyhalf, age 25

Rey Lee-Lo - centre, age 29

Johnny Leota - centre, 31

Paul Perez - centre, age 29

George Pisi - centre, age 29

Fa'atoina Autagavaia - fullback, age 26

Ken Pisi - wing, age 26

Alesana Tuilagi - wing, age 34

Tim Nanai-Williams - fullback, 26

Forwards

Wayne Ole Avei - hooker, age 32

Manu Leiataua - hooker, age 28

Motu Matu'u - hooker, age 28

Viliamu Afatia - prop, age 25

Jake Grey - prop, age 31

Census Johnston - prop, age 34

Anthony Perenise - prop, age 32

Sakaria Taulafo - prop, age 32

Filo Paulo - lock, age 27

Joe Tekori - lock, age 31

Kane Thompson - lock, age 33

Faifili Levave - backrow, 29

Maurie Fa'asavalu - backrow, age 35

Alafoti Faosiliva - backrow, age 29

Jack Lam - backrow, age 27

Ofisa Treviranus - backrow (captain), age 31

TJ Ioane - backrow, age 26

Sanele Vavae Tuilagi - backrow, age 27