Nottingham Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of Nottingham Trent University graduates Aman (left) and Jai (right) Johal to the squad for the upcoming season. Aman and Jai, twin brothers who play centre and fly-half respectively join The Archers after four years in the NTU performance rugby squad, where they have excelled in the programme since joining in 2020.
The Johal brothers are unique in England’s top two professional leagues not only for being twins but being from Asian heritage. Products of Saracens u18 academy, they joined Nottingham Trent University progressing through to become sports scholars and achieving not only rugby but academic success during their time at university.
Nottingham Head Coach Craig Hammond commented, “Both Aman and Jai have been top performers in the NTU programme for a few seasons now which led to an invitation to join us for pre-season. Both have impressed and were involved in our friendlies against Leicester Tigers and Ampthill and shown up well. Their addition to the squad provides us with good depth in those positions for the season ahead and we are excited to see them progress in a championship environment.”
Nottingham Assistant Coach and NTU Head of Rugby added, “I am delighted for Jai and Aman who I recruited to the NTU programme back in 2020 and have been essential players in our 1st XV since day one. They both have a high-level attacking skill set and their connection as a 10/12 combo led for them to be offered scholarships at NTU, where they have completed undergraduate and post graduate degrees alongside their rugby and now sign at Championship level. Their signings once again show the power of the NTU performance rugby pathway as one of the best in the U.K at producing the next wave of professional rugby players, whilst providing high level academic qualifications. Congratulations to both!”