The Reds are unveiling at least 15 new signings in four groups before naming one further addition next week. It is believed that up to 20 new faces in total could be putting pen to paper for next term, featuring the now customary mix of flair and raw talent from both sides of the Equator.
In the first of their series of announcements, the Reds have named three props and a hooker, in the shape of former England U18 George Edgson, Bristol loosehead Ollie Dawe, New Zealand Universities cap Jack Higgins and Munster tighthead Ciaran Parker.
Hooker Edgson (24) joins the Reds from Doncaster Knights, via Rotherham and Ealing, having spent his early days as a prop with Wasps, while 23-year-old Dawe brings a four-year stint with Bristol to an end this month, after appearing for the club in both the second tier and Gallagher Premiership.
Coventry-born tighthead Higgins (28) spent last season with Plymouth Albion in National One, following Premiership Cup appearances for Wasps and Northampton Saints while on loan between 2017-19, and 24-year-old former England U20 Parker brings Pro14 and European Champions Cup experience with him thanks to three seasons in Ireland.
The quartet join existing Reds hookers TJ Harris and Jack Macfarlane as front-row options, alongside props Ziana Alexis, Dan Richardson and Roy Godfrey. A total of 15 players from the class of 2020 remain on contract at Stade Santander.
Four, potentially five new names will be added to the list tomorrow.
Head coach Harvey Biljon said of his new signings: ‘We intend to maintain the reputation of Jersey as somewhere where the set-piece is a strength and I have worked with our new forwards coach Rob Webber to identify players who we think will be real assets to our squad – once we are able to get together for pre-season.’
