A brace of new signings have completed the Jersey RFC squad as the players move into the final phase of pre-season preparations.
Hooker Russell Anderson and centre Rhys Owen have both taken their place in the 36-man Jersey squad, and will be in contention for the August trio of pre-season matches against Plymouth Albion, the Scarlets and Blackheath.
21-year-old Anderson has won Scottish caps at U17, U18 and U20 level, including taking part in the Junior World Cup in 2013. Born in Dumfries and brought up in the renowned rugby town of Langholm on the Scottish borders, he captained the Borders region at U16, U17 and U18 age groups.
Anderson (pictured above) has played alongside two fellow Scots in the Jersey squad: he and Gary Graham were in the Gala team who lifted the RBS Scottish Cup in 2012, while his international team-mates at U20 level included Tommy Spinks. He gained experience in English rugby last season, spending time with Sale Sharks and appearing in the Aviva 'A' League, as well a three-month spell with National One side Darlington Mowden Park, and is also a black belt in karate.
Owen, 22, spent the past three years at Loughborough University, where he gained a degree in Psychology and made more than 60 appearances in National One for the Loughborough Students 1st XV, scoring 14 tries.
Born in Hemel Hempstead, Owen (pictured above in action for Loughborough) spent a year in the Worcester Warriors Academy before going to Loughborough, where his team-mates included another summer signing for Jersey, back row player James Freeman.
"Russell and Rhys both fit the bill as promising and hungry young players who have the potential to make a big impact for Jersey once we get out on the field for matches next month," said Head Coach Harvey Biljon. "Like the rest of the squad they've had a tough time during pre-season, but they've adapted well and are looking forward to appearing in front of a home crowd at St Peter in the coming weeks."
Jersey play three home friendlies in August prior to the start of the Greene King IPA Championship the following month:
Saturday August 8th - Plymouth Albion - H - 5pm
Saturday August 15th - Scarlets - H - 4pm
Saturday August 22nd - Blackheath - H - 4.30pm
Jersey Squad 2015/16 (new signings marked *)
Forwards: Russell Anderson*, Joe Buckle, Charlie Butterworth*, Nick Campbell, Ben Featherstone*, James Freeman*, Martin Garcia-Veiga, Cosma Garfagnoli*, Gary Graham, Nick Haining, Danny Herriott, Sam Lockwood, Dave Markham, Sean McCarthy*, Pierce Phillips, Alex Rae, Will Rowlands*, Ignacio Saenz-Lancuba, Nick Selway, Tommy Spinks*.
Backs: Ross Adair*, Jack Burroughs, Mark Cooke*, Brendan Cope*, Ed Dawson, Joel Dudley, Oli Evans*, Sami Fisilau, Tom Howe*, Richard Lane*, Jack Moates*, Mark McCrea, Fautua Otto, Rhys Owen*, Aaron Penberthy, Lewis Robling.
