Hooker Dolly arrives as Maddison flies for Falcons

Hooker Dolly arrives as Maddison flies for Falcons

Maddison has left the Island after agreeing a deal with Championship rivals Newcastle Falcons – who are likely to provide Premiership rugby this time next year – and Reds’ officials have been quick to act in finding a third name to challenge Jack Macfarlane and Antonio ‘TJ’ Harris for a place in the front row at St Peter.

Sydney-born Dolly, who has joined the Reds on a season-long loan, moved to England in 2016 and signed a five-year contract with Sale a year later. He has since played four games for the club’s first XV and has won nine caps for England U20s – featuring in the Six Nations and Junior World Cup earlier in 2019. The 20-year-old also appeared for Rotherham Titans at St Peter in 2018, as part of another loan deal, when his older brother, Alex, was part of Jersey’s squad.

Reds director of rugby Harvey Biljon said: ‘I’m very pleased to have Nic joining us. He is a young player with great promise and I expect this move to be great for him in developing his career, as well as leaving us with three strong options at hooker alongside Jack Macfarlane and TJ Harris.

‘Charlie received an offer from Newcastle, who have ambitions to return to the Premiership. It’s a good opportunity for him and we’d like to thank him for his contribution and wish him the best.’

Dolly will meet his new team-mates following their victorious return from Moscow, and could be involved on matchday for his new club as early as next weekend, when the Islanders welcome PRO14 side Scarlets to Stade Santander for their final pre-season match.

Jersey begin their competitive schedule with a home Championship Cup tie, against Newcastle, on Saturday 21 September.

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