Jersey Reds have confirmed the signing of back row forward Freddie Lockwood on season-long loan from Gallagher Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.
The 21-year-old, capped by England at under-18 and under-19 levels, makes the move as the Reds prepare for the start of the 2022/23 RFU Championship campaign this weekend.
A product of renowned rugby school Barnard Castle, Lockwood played his mini and junior rugby for Yorkshire club Malton and Norton and has been part of the Falcons’ set-up since 2019. He has featured in both Gallagher Premiership and European Challenge Cup matches and also played for Blaydon and Darlington Mowden Park during loan spells.
Director of Rugby Harvey Biljon said he was looking to the new arrival to make an impact once he has completed the final stage of recovery from a foot injury sustained during the summer.
Biljon said: "Freddie is a promising young player who I believe has the opportunity to establish himself in our squad and push for regular game-time once he regains full match fitness. He's shown a hunger to get started and I expect him to be putting his hand up for selection from October onwards."
Lockwood is the latest player to move between the clubs, with former Reds to have made moves to the top-flight including his namesake Sam Lockwood, Charlie Maddison and Gary Graham, while in 2021 scrum-half Cam Nordli-Kelemeti spent time on loan with the Island side and has since returned to Newcastle.
After three competitive pre-season friendlies against Premiership sides Leicester Tigers, London Irish and Bath Rugby, the Reds’ Championship season will begin this Saturday with a trip to Ampthill before Coventry visit Stade Santander International on Saturday September 17th.
