Jersey RFC have confirmed that four more members of the existing 1st XV squad have signed new deals for 2016/17. Number 8 Uili Kolo-ofa'i, props Sean McCarthy and Simon Kerrod and three-quarter Fautua Otto will all extend their stays at St Peter into next season.
33-year-old Kolo'ofa'i, a Tongan international who was part of his country's 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, joined Jersey in October last year and has played 18 games for the Reds, missing just one match.
"Uili has been increasingly influential, both on and off the field, since his arrival, and I believe he'll be an important member of next season's squad," said Head Coach Harvey Biljon
Kerrod, 23, arrived at St Peter in early January, having played for Natal Sharks in his native South Africa at under 19 and under 21 level and in 2015 he represented Eastern Province Kings in the Vodacom Cup competition. He has already made nine appearances, including five starts, for the Islanders.
"I said when Simon joined us that I believed he could make a real impact for Jersey at Championship level," said Biljon. "He's progressed really well in less than three months and I'm excited about his prospects over the next year."
Otto, 30, who won 12 caps for Samoa between 2010 and 2014, has been with Jersey since February last year, having formerly played Championship rugby for Bristol.
"Tua has made a significant contribution during the past year, although injury has limited his availability in recent weeks," said Biljon. "He's now set to have a shoulder operation, and we anticipate he will be ready to partake fully in our pre-season preparations and be back to his best by September."
25-year-old McCarthy originally came to Jersey in summer 2012, playing for two seasons before departing to join Irish province Leinster. Since returning to the Island he has reverted to his former position of loose-head prop.
"Sean has had an increasing amount of game-time in recent months - he's still young for a front row player and next season is a real opportunity for him to realise his potential," said Biljon.
Previously, 14 players had been confirmed as members of Jersey's 2016/17 squad. Flankers Gary Graham and James Freeman, lock Pierce Phillips, hooker Nick Selway, scrum-half Sami Fisilau, fly-half Brendan Cope, centre Lewis Robling, wing Ross Adair and full-back/wing Rich Lane have agreed new contracts, while club captain Alex Rae (lock/back-row), hooker Joe Buckle, Nick Haining (back row) and locks Nick Campbell and Dave McKern have existing contracts stretching into next season.
