Rugby: Versatile prop bolsters Reds’ options

  • Former Saracens prop becomes Jersey’s fifth new signing ahead of 2015/16 campaign.
  • ‘Feathers’ deal confirmed following news that current Island prop Harry Williams is set to leave for Premiership rugby.

PROP forward Ben Featherstone has been confirmed as the latest addition to Jersey RFC’s squad, making it five new signings this week alone.

The 25-year-old, who can play either side of the scrum, has penned a two-year deal with the club who are preparing for their fourth consecutive year in the Championship.

Nicknamed ‘Feathers’, the 25-year-old new recruit can play on both sides of the front-row, although his preferred role is as a tight-head. He was born in Southampton and played his junior rugby for Trojans and Hampshire.

He then attended Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, playing for them and Cinderford before moving to Bournemouth.

Most recently he has played for Esher in National Division One, as well as making appearances on loan with Saracens, playing in the Aviva ‘A’ League and the LV Cup.

‘Ben is a player who comes highly recommended – what he needs now is a strong pre-season and he will then have the chance to fulfil his potential and establish himself as a Championship player,’ said Jersey head coach Harvey Biljon.

Harry Williams will leave St Peter at the end of this season to join Exeter Chiefs

Featherstone’s arrival is timely as it comes after the weekend news that Harry Williams, who has been a real success story in his first season with Jersey, will be leaving the club next month after agreeing to join Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

‘Harry was one of the players in our plans for next season, but an opportunity has come up to play at a higher level,’ said Biljon. ‘He’s played a valuable role for Jersey this season and we wish him well in the next stage of his career.’

Williams (23) has agreed a two-year deal at Sandy Park. Said Exeter head coach Rob Baxter: ‘Harry was starting to stand out as a very good set-piece forward, and we spent a bit of time breaking down his play all over the pitch.

‘To be honest, I was pretty impressed with what I saw. The fundamentals of what you need to be a Premiership tighthead prop are there.

‘He is developing, and it will be our job over the next couple of years to help him improve as much as he can. Hopefully, we can bring him through and help him become a strong Premiership tighthead.’

Williams becomes the second prop to leave the Island for Premiership rugby in three years, with former Red Richard Barrington currently tasting life at the top with Saracens’ first team.

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