Rugby: Reds add two more to squad as Biljon considers captaincy

  • Head coach Biljon signs hooker and centre ahead of upcoming campaign.
  • Arrivals bring team total up to 36, with 16 new faces among them.
  • Rae to attend Championship launch in Exeter as decision on captaincy draws near.

JERSEY RFC’s squad for their fourth season in the Greene King IPA Championship has been boosted by the signing of a further two players.

Former Sale Sharks junior hooker Russell Anderson and Loughborough University centre Rhys Owen have joined head coach Harvey Biljon at St Peter for the 2015/16 campaign, bringing the Reds’ camp – which now includes 16 new faces – up to 36 players.

Scotland junior international Russell Anderson

Twenty-one-year-old Anderson – a black belt in karate – won Scotland caps at U17, U18 and U20 before representing his country at the 2013 Junior World Cup, and he lifted the RBS Scottish Cup in 2012 with Gala RFC – alongside Jersey’s Gary Graham. He has also played with fellow newcomer Tommy Spinks at international level and appeared in the Aviva ‘A’ League with Sharks last term.

Owen (22) – a former Worcester Warriors Academy player – follows summer signing James Freeman to Jersey from Loughborough after spending three years with the National One outfit, scoring 14 tries in over 60 appearances, and Biljon believes he, like Anderson, can make his mark as the Islanders look to consolidate.

‘Russell and Rhys both fit the bill as promising and hungry young players who have the potential to make a big impact for Jersey once we get out on the field for matches next month,’ he said.

‘Like the rest of the squad they’ve had a tough time during pre-season, but they’ve adapted well and are looking forward to appearing in front of a home crowd at St Peter in the coming weeks.’

Head coach Harvey Biljon says Alex Rae is likely to retain the captaincy

With the official launch of the 2015/16 Championship season taking place in Exeter tomorrow, Biljon also explained that while Alex Rae is likely to continue his role as club captain – the lock is travelling to Devon for the event – other options are being considered.

‘Alex is a front line candidate for the captaincy again, but we have a couple of guys in our new leadership group of six players that we are still looking at,’ Biljon added.

‘I’m pretty confident it will be Alex as he proved last year that he could step up again, and in pre-season this season he has been outstanding. There will be times where, whether through injury or rotation, other players will have to step up though, and that’s why we have a leadership group.’

Jersey begin their pre-season schedule on 8 August with a home friendly against Plymouth Albion before welcoming Scarlets and Blackheath on 15th and 22nd August respectively.

Forwards: Russell Anderson*, Joe Buckle, Charlie Butterworth*, Nick Campbell, Ben Featherstone*, James Freeman*, Martin Garcia-Veiga, Cosma Garfagnoli*, Gary Graham, Nick Haining, Danny Herriott, Sam Lockwood, Dave Markham, Sean McCarthy*, Pierce Phillips, Alex Rae, Will Rowlands*, Ignacio Saenz-Lancuba, Nick Selway, Tommy Spinks*.

Backs: Ross Adair*, Jack Burroughs, Mark Cooke*, Brendan Cope*, Ed Dawson, Joel Dudley, Oli Evans*, Sami Fisilau, Tom Howe*, Richard Lane*, Jack Moates*, Mark McCrea, Fautua Otto, Rhys Owen*, Aaron Penberthy, Lewis Robling.

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