12/05/2013

Jersey RFC have announced a number of confirmed additions to the
squad for the 2013/14 season.

Prop Jon Brennan, Jersey's longest-serving player, will be back
for another campaign in the RFU Championship, along with
three-quarter Mark Foster, whose loan arrangement from Exeter
Chiefs becomes a permanent deal. The Island side have also moved
swiftly to recruit a new back row player, with Tom Brown joining
from Newport Gwent Dragons.

Brennan, 31 (above), also known as the Bear, has been a fixture
in the Jersey side for more than a decade, starting when the club
competed in London Three South-West, level seven on the RFU
pyramid.

"JB showed last season that he was more than capable of
performing at level two, and was a major factor in making our scrum
a one of the most respected units in the league," stated Director
of Rugby Ben Harvey. "I'm sure all supporters in Jersey will be as
pleased as I am that he's signed up for another campaign."

Foster, 29 (above), joined Jersey from Exeter on loan in
February and played in the final seven league games of the season.
He has now signed a two-year deal and Harvey intends to utilise him
in both playing and coaching roles.

"First and foremost Mark will be a player - he has already shown
the talent and experience that made him part of a Premiership squad
for four seasons," Harvey said. "He also has longer-term ambitions
in coaching, and the intention is that he will start to play a part
in coaching our backs."

Brown, 29 (below), was born in Doncaster and qualifies through
his parents for both England and Wales. He represented Wales at
Under 21 level, and in rugby league, and spent two seasons with the
Dragons, prior to which he was with Cardiff Blues and London
Welsh.

"Tom has spent three seasons playing a very good standard of
rugby in the Pro12 and earning an excellent reputation," said
Harvey. "I'm sure he'll become a major asset to the Jersey squad
and look forward to working with him in June when pre-season
training starts."

Harvey also confirmed that 27-year-old winger James Copsey
(above scoring against Plymouth this season) will be remaining with
the club for what will be his fourth season at St Peter.

The departures of other members of the 2012/13 Jersey squad have
also been confirmed:

• Prop James Gethings has accepted a banking job, based in
  London, and hopes to continue his rugby career as a part-time
  player
• Full-back Barry Davies, who won a Welsh cap in the 2006 Six
  Nations, leaves the club after one season
• Number 8 Nick Trower, a qualified surveyor who has been one of
  Jersey's part-time players, but will not be part of the core 1st XV
  squad for 2013/14
• Loan signings Charlie Clare (hooker) and Max Stelling
  (centre/wing) have returned to their 'parent' clubs, Leicester and
  Worcester respectively. Clare has subsequently been signed by
  Championship side Bedford.

"There have been some difficult decisions to be made as we plan
for next season and move towards becoming a full-time squad," said
Harvey. "All of the departing players have played a part in the
club's success and I'd like to wish them well for the future."

Harvey said he may still have one or two players to sign up for
2013/14, but was otherwise content with his squad-building
efforts.

"I'm pleased to have some very talented individuals, both
established Jersey players and new signings, in the mix for the
forthcoming season and am confident we will be a force to be
reckoned with once the league action gets underway next September,"
he said.