Two more players, Jonny Bentley and
Tommy Bell, have been added to the Jersey RFC
squad as preparations for the 2014/15 season continue.
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 spent four
seasons with Cornish Pirates, where Jersey Head Coach Harvey Biljon
was Assistant Coach, helping his side win the British & Irish
Cup in 2010 and reach the play-off final the following year.
Bentley (pictured above with former Gloucester team-mate
Mike Tindall) signed a year's contract with Aviva Premiership
side Gloucester in June 2013 and made appearances in both the
Heineken and LV Cups for the Cherry-and-Whites before joining Leeds
Carnegie on loan in February 2014. He played five times for the
Yorkshire side in the Greene King IPA Championship, as well as
appearing in the B&I Cup final defeat to Leinster 'A'.
"Jonny is a very talented player with proven experience in
unlocking Championship defences," said Biljon. "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, for whom he has made 32 appearances
and scored 86 points. He has featured in different positions across
the back-line, often playing alongside his older brother Chris.
Bell (pictured above) was formerly an Academy player
with Sale Sharks for two seasons, during which time he gained
experience playing on loan for Leeds Carnegie in 2011/12, scoring
234 points in 21 appearances.
"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," said Biljon.
The Jersey 1st team squad will report back to St Peter next week
to begin their preparations for the new season. League action is
expected to start on the first weekend of September, prior to which
the Islanders face pre-season home matches against Ayr (August 16),
Bath (August 23) and Blackheath (August 30).
