Jersey boost back-row options with new
signing
Jersey have signed powerful back-row player Charlie
Walker-Blair on a short-term deal for the remainder of the
2012/13 season.
The 24-year-old, a former winger on the books of Premiership
club Exeter Chiefs, will be looking to boost Jersey's bid to retain
their RFU Championship status, as well as putting his own career
back on track after injury.
While at Exeter, Charlie played for both Taunton and Cornish
Pirates as a dual-registered player, and in October 2011 he played
for Taunton against Jersey in National Two South, scoring a try in
his side's 32-26 win, but also sustaining a serious knee injury
which ended his season.
Last season, as well as representing Exeter in the LV Cup,
Charlie switched to the back-row and made 11 appearances for
Cornish Pirates, scoring two tries, prior to suffering another knee
injury.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to get back playing with
Jersey and help the club during the final two months of the
season," he said. "It's been frustrating to have been injured, but
now I just want to get out on the pitch and get some games under my
belt."
Ben Harvey, Jersey RFC Director of Rugby, said: "Charlie is an
exceptional player who has been held back by injuries, and I am
looking forward to him showing Jersey supporters the talent that
earned him a Premiership contract."
Although a minor ankle problem has prevented him taking a full
part in training at St Peter this week, Charlie is expected to be
in contention for a place in the Jersey squad for the away game at
London Scottish on Saturday March 2nd.
Charlie Walker-Blair stats: born Kent 24/4/88; 6ft 2ins
(192cm) tall; 16st 5lbs (104kg) in weight; other former clubs
include Minehead (Devon), Carterton (New Zealand) & Wairarapa
Bush (New Zealand).
