Jersey Reds have moved swiftly to counter a number of injuries among their backs, adding utility back Brendan Owen to the squad.
The 23-year-old South African-born player, who can play fly-half, wing or full-back, arrived on the Island towards the end of last week and is expected to play a part in the Reds’ Greene King IPA Championship match against league leaders Newcastle Falcons this Saturday.
Born in Johannesburg, Owen played for the Blue Bulls under 19s before leaving South Africa in 2016 and playing for two years in West Australia for the Western Force and Perth Spirit. Last season he played for Venice-based San Donà in the top tier of Italian domestic rugby, the Top 12, and most recently he was back in South Africa playing Currie Cup rugby for Boland Cavaliers.
Director of Rugby Harvey Biljon said: “I’m very pleased to have been able to secure a player who has some good rugby experience but should also be able to improve his game as he settles in Jersey.”
Biljon is without the services of several backs among his squad, including captain Apakuki Ma’afu, scrum-half Liam Howley and back three players Leroy Van Dam and Tom Williams.
Following this weekend’s trip to Newcastle, the Reds will be back in action on home turf when Nottingham are the visitors to Stade Santander International on Saturday November 9th.
