Jersey RFC are resigned to the loss of star summer signing
Richard Haughton after the former England A flyer was approached by
French Top 14 side Perpignan.
The 31-year-old joined Jersey in June this year after leaving
London Wasps, and played in the recent friendly against Leicester
Tigers, but a clause in his contract allowed him to consider an
approach from a top level club.
Perpignan moved in for Haughton in response to an injury to
full-back Sofiane Guitoune, taking advantage of the Top 14
regulation allowing clubs to make a 'medical wildcard' signing
after the commencement of the season.
Jersey Director of Rugby Ben Harvey said the move was subject to
confirmation of satisfactory clearance of a medical held on Tuesday
August 28th, but admitted Haughton's departure was now likely and
would be a blow to his squad.
"We're disappointed, but a player like Richard, who has played
club rugby at the top level, was likely to attract interest of this
kind, and had a clause in his contract if such an opportunity
arose. We can't compete financially with a club the size of
Perpignan.
"We've enjoyed having Richard in the squad for the past two
months, other players have learned a lot from him and, subject to
the medical and registration details, he will go with our best
wishes."
Haughton has signed an initial six-month deal with Perpignan,
and may go straight into contention for the club's away game
against Clermont Auvergne this Saturday. Perpignan currently lie
12th in the Top 14 standings, after picking up losing bonus points
against Bordeaux and Toulon so far this season, and will also take
part in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Jersey's attention will be on the first league game of the
2012/13 season, Saturday's home clash with the Cornish Pirates (k-o
3pm), which also marks the Islanders' debut in the RFU
Championship.
