Jersey RFC's squad-building ahead of the 2014/15 season is almost complete - the club have today announced the arrival of three new players, plus the retention of another 16 members of the existing 1st XV squad.
The new faces are:
* Tongan number 8 Paula Kaho. The 29-year-old has won eight caps for his country and most recently played for Havelock SC in Sri Lanka * Gareth Harris from Loughborough Students. The 22-year-old hooker (pictured below) is in his final year at Loughborough University, where he is studying for a Diploma in Economics, having completed a BA degree in History and International Relations last year. Harris has been a regular member of the Loughborough side who compete in National League 1, and with whom he made a pre-season trip to Jersey in 2011
Just like to thank all those players not been retained for the new season for all there hard work over the last year.some good friends made and will keep an eye on there future progress.good luck
jersey wanderer Just like to thank all those players not been retained for the new season for all there hard work over the last year.some good friends made and will keep an eye on there future progress.good luck
I fully endorse your thoughts JW we are losing some really good friends of Jersey RFC and its been a pleasure to know them and to regularly meet the families of guys like Copsey & Williams who have followed the team around the country - great people IMO.
Incidentally although its not mentioned on the official website I understand that Fred Silc is off to London Scottish so we are likely to see him at least a couple of times next year.
Although several players multi-task I found this helpful in spotting the gaps that still need to be filled:
Props John Brennan
Danny Herriott
Myles Landick
Sam Lockwood
Ben Rodgers
Nick Selway
Harry Williams
Hooker Dave Felton
Gareth Harris
Second Row Dave Markham
Alex Rae
Nick Campbell
Pierce Phillips
Back Row Tom Brown
Joe Buckle
Nick Haining
Ryan Hodson
Paula Kaho
Ben Maidment
Latu Makaafi
Scrum Half Nicky Griffiths
Joel Dudley
Ryan Glynn
Fly Half Aaron Penberthy
Lewis Robling
Centre David Bishop
Tobias Hoskins
Drew Locke
Mark McCrea
Grant Pointer
Wing Ed Dawson
Mark Foster
Full Back Jack Burroughs
Don't kick it pick it up and GO FORWARD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:05:09:08:50:06 by corporalcarrot.
'Interesting' additions todate although I fear there are significant gaps at present. Perhaps reference to 'nearly' full squad leaves an option to bring others in. With respect, we will miss Elvis' experience and bite. We need an 'ugly' hooker. Pace, or the lack of it was a major deficiency last term....still no flyer evident in the new guys? We need a line breaker....a real finisher. My biggest fear is that last year's weakness is still evident; at least 5/6 players are simply not good enough!! Sorry guys.
But hell can't wait for next season......
jerseynick 'Interesting' additions todate although I fear there are significant gaps at present. Perhaps reference to 'nearly' full squad leaves an option to bring others in. With respect, we will miss Elvis' experience and bite. We need an 'ugly' hooker. Pace, or the lack of it was a major deficiency last term....still no flyer evident in the new guys? We need a line breaker....a real finisher. My biggest fear is that last year's weakness is still evident; at least 5/6 players are simply not good enough!! Sorry guys.
But hell can't wait for next season......
I'll support whoever we put out but there is a real switch away from the traditional strength in the front row where we used to be so strong. We have the front row numbers but McCarthy-Taione-Young had buckets of experience and will be sorely missed. It's telling that they have all moved onwards and upwards whilst we have fished down the leagues for replacements. Huge shame we lost Tom Fidler to another Championship team. Loads of back row numbers and strength but no obvious inside centre (even Bishop prefers outside centre) and pace in the outside backs - lets hope it comes.
Don't kick it pick it up and GO FORWARD
I agree, pace is required & not obvious at the moment although some of the new names are young so hopefully youthfully quick across all players, hopefully Harvey has that lined up.
All gone very quiet on the 'in-coming' front!? I still maintain we need an experienced 'nasty' hooker to take over from Elvis. How about recently released Eusebio Guinazu from Bath? He would fit the bill but perhaps too expensive.
Also pace please on the wing!! Time will tell.
Johnny Bentley and Tommy Bell, have been added to the line-up.
Bentley is a 27-year-old fly-half who was born in New Zealand but has been playing his rugby in England since 2009. He's spent four seasons with Cornish Pirates.
Head Coach Harvey Biljon said: "Johnny is a very talented player with proven experience in unlocking Championship defences, I'm looking forward to working with him again and believe he will help us develop our attacking back play."
Bell, 21, comes to Jersey after two seasons with Aviva Premiership side London Wasps.
Speaking about the signing Harvey Biljon said:
"Tommy is a really exciting prospect and wherever he plays in our back-line I expect his pace and goal-kicking ability will make him a real asset to the team."
Really pleased with this news. If Bentley stays fit and gets back to anywhere like his old 'Pirates' form, he will be a major asset. At his best, a fantastic line breaker. Bell looks interesting and evident that Leeds fans on their 'unoff'site are expressing jelousy.
Now for that nasty hooker we need! Overall its looking good.
jerseynick Really pleased with this news. If Bentley stays fit and gets back to anywhere like his old 'Pirates' form, he will be a major asset. At his best, a fantastic line breaker. Bell looks interesting and evident that Leeds fans on their 'unoff'site are expressing jelousy.
Now for that nasty hooker we need! Overall its looking good.
you must have been a really good boy all year as I think Santa is going to send you the present you want.
Don't kick it pick it up and GO FORWARD
Out of the retained players, he's the only one who (in my opinion) shirked quite a bit. Didn't miss tackles as he just didn't bother tackling. More a body check.
But, I believe in second chances, do let's hope he's up for this season coming.
As for the rest of the team, it's looking good isn't it?
I see you guys have secured jonny bentley. Hes a great 10, didnt get up the pecking order at glaws, dont understand why as the other 10 not been great, maybe jnjury.
I note somones comments about fossie!
Good luck next season, was kind of hoping to do a weekend trip and watch you as we've kind of made you our second team after chiefs.
You will be very welcome WS. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sandy Park last September and Chiefs set the standard for Championship clubs on the up.if you need transport or any other back-up when you come over send me a pm. All the best cc
Not sure he's one and the same guy Teddy! The 22 yrs old prop is Ignacio rather than Nachito Saenz Lacuba. I still think we need a hooker rather than another prop...or perhaps both! Interesting nevertheless.
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