Confirmation that five existing players will remain with Jersey
RFC next season has brought the finalisation of the club's 2015/16
1st XV squad a step closer.
Front row forward Nick Selway, back row/lock Gary Graham,
scrum-halves Sami Fisilau and Joel Dudley, plus wing Ed Dawson will
all be members of the Jersey squad for next season; players will
report back to St Peter in early June to begin their preparations
for the 2015/16 campaign.
"I'm very pleased to have further pieces in the jigsaw confirmed
for next season," said Head Coach Harvey Biljon. "Ed is one of the
longest-serving members of the squad and I expect him to push hard
for selection against some of our new signings.
"Nick and Joel will be starting their third and fourth seasons
respectively with the club - they have been important members of
our squad and have shown their versatility by covering extra
positions where required.
"Sami and Gary joined us during the second half of the current
season. Sami has made a real impact already, Gary was unfortunate
to pick up a shoulder injury after a few matches but he's coming
back to fitness and will be challenging for game-time once we get
onto the field for our pre-season matches."
The latest announcement has brought Jersey's 2015/16 squad to a
total of 29 players so far.
"I hope we are not too far off completing our line-up for next
season," said Biljon. "There are a handful of other signings in the
pipeline and I hope the remaining players will be confirmed
soon."
Jersey Squad 2015/16 (new signings marked *)
Forwards: Joe Buckle, Charlie Butterworth*, Nick Campbell,
Ben Featherstone*, James Freeman*, Martin Garcia-Veiga, Gary
Graham, Nick Haining, Danny Herriott, Sam Lockwood, Dave Markham,
Pierce Phillips, Alex Rae, Ignacio Saenz-Lancuba, Nick
Selway.
Backs: Ross Adair*, Jack Burroughs, Mark Cooke*, Brendan
Cope*, Ed Dawson, Joel Dudley, Oli Evans*, Sami Fisilau, Tom Howe,
Jack Moates*, Mark McCrea, Fautua Otto, Aaron Penberthy, Lewis
Robling.
This Saturday's Ipes Siam Cup marks the final game of the season
for Jersey and their Channel Island rivals Guernsey, who will be
competing for the historic trophy for the 75th time. The 1st XV
match kicks off at 3pm and will be preceded by matches between the
respective Veterans, 2nd XV and Ladies teams. Superman actor Henry
Cavill will be a special guest at St Peter in his role of
Ambassador for Durrell Wildlife Trust, which will be the
beneficiary of a number of fund-raising events on the day.
Tickets for Saturday's event are available in advance from the
JT Rewards website, and on the day. Admission is £10 for
non-members, £5 for members and free for Under 18s.