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Cape Town - Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson says his decision to move to England was taken with the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) in mind.
The 25-year-old recently signed a two-year deal with English club London Wasps.
He will join them at the start of the next European season from the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs.
The 2015 RWC will take place in England and Johnson believes the experience he'll gain there in the next few years will stand him in good stead for the tournament.
According to Volksblad, Johnson is in Bok coach Heyneke Meyer's plans, albeit only as an impact player.
Meyer indicated he will pick some overseas players to play for the Springboks, which made Johnson's decision to move easier.
Johnson also received offers from France and Japan, but is adamant he made the right choice.
"The main reason to go to England was with the World Cup in mind. Few people realise it can benefit me to play there.
"You gain a lot of experience.
"Hopefully I can play well in those conditions and contribute for the Boks when it comes to the World Cup.
"Before I signed overseas, I thought of the Boks - I always plan to play for the Boks. Therefore I signed for two years. My agent and I also thought of the fact that the next World Cup is in England.
"If Heyneke later tells me to come back and play for a South African team in order to go to the World Cup, then I'll do it," said Johnson.
The 25-year-old recently signed a two-year deal with English club London Wasps.
He will join them at the start of the next European season from the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs.
The 2015 RWC will take place in England and Johnson believes the experience he'll gain there in the next few years will stand him in good stead for the tournament.
According to Volksblad, Johnson is in Bok coach Heyneke Meyer's plans, albeit only as an impact player.
Meyer indicated he will pick some overseas players to play for the Springboks, which made Johnson's decision to move easier.
Johnson also received offers from France and Japan, but is adamant he made the right choice.
"The main reason to go to England was with the World Cup in mind. Few people realise it can benefit me to play there.
"You gain a lot of experience.
"Hopefully I can play well in those conditions and contribute for the Boks when it comes to the World Cup.
"Before I signed overseas, I thought of the Boks - I always plan to play for the Boks. Therefore I signed for two years. My agent and I also thought of the fact that the next World Cup is in England.
"If Heyneke later tells me to come back and play for a South African team in order to go to the World Cup, then I'll do it," said Johnson.
