FOLLOWING the conclusion of the 2021/22 season, the Jersey Reds have confirmed the end-of-season stayers and leavers.
Several forwards from the class of 2021/22 had already confirmed they would not be returning next season.
Prop Roy Godfrey and back rower Guy Thompson both retired from professional rugby after the Reds’ final game earlier this month – while another back row man, Wes White, will become the latest Jersey ‘graduate’ to earn an opportunity in the Gallagher Premiership when he joins Bath Rugby.
With regards to the backs, there are ten players returning, including Brendan Cope, who will embark on his seventh season with the Reds, across two spells.
Director of rugby Harvey Biljon said: ‘It’s great to have around two-thirds of this season’s squad coming back in the summer for pre-season – this will give us a great platform on which to build as we go into the 2022/23 campaign.
‘At the same time we will say farewell to several others who have made significant contributions – Guy and Roy have been key members of the squad and leave the pro game after stellar careers, while Wes has earned his shot at the top level.
‘Jack Macfarlane has been part of our squad for six years and always gave 100% – I’d like to thank him, and also Jack Higgins, Alex Humfrey and Max Ayling for what they’ve done, and wish all those leaving us the very best for the future.
‘We are also saying goodbye to some backs who played a big part in a successful season – I’d like to thank Will, Harry, Sam, Jack and Ryan for their contributions and wish them all the best for the future.’
The Caesarean outfit finished fourth in the 2021/22 Championship, their tenth campaign at the second tier of the English game since promotion from National 1 back in 2012.
They lost just six out of 20 games, while accumulating a record haul 69 league points – which was coupled with a Championship Cup run to the semi-finals.
