Michael Dowsett will continue his jet-setting rugby career with a flight into St Peter this summer, with the former Worcester Warriors and Brumbies half-back being joined by fellow number 9 James Elliott and former Bedford Blues fly-half Sam Leeming. News of the trio’s impending arrival comes alongside confirmation that Luc Jones is to leave the Reds after one year with the Championship side.
Dowsett (28) has spent the last two seasons with Top League side Canon Eagles in Tokyo, having begun his elite record with 22 Super Rugby appearances for Canberra-based Brumbies. Twenty-one-year-old former England Students cap Elliott, meanwhile, is looking to make the next step in his career following a tough season with relegated Yorkshire Carnegie.
Stand-off Leeming (22), was a member of Newcastle Falcons’ academy set-up as a teen, before stints with Sydney outfit Gordon, Hartpury College and most recently Bedford.
Jersey director of rugby Harvey Biljon said: ‘Michael is a really great acquisition for the club who brings a lot of experience, but still has a great deal to offer. Sam has impressed me when we have played Hartpury and Bedford in recent seasons, while James is at an early stage of his career but I believe has the skill-set and attitude to grow as a player at this level.’
The latest round of announcements by Jersey Reds adds to the eight new faces made public earlier this week – and precedes further details due to be released tomorrow. The club has already confirmed the signings of hooker George Edgson, props Ollie Dawe, Jack Higgins and Ciaran Parker, locks Zak Farrance, Shay Kerry and Sean O’Connor and flanker Lewis Wynne. They will join 15 players from the Reds’ 2019/20 squad.
Jersey Reds squad 2020/21 – as it stands
Hooker: TJ Harris, Jack Macfarlane, Jack Higgins* (new signing).
Prop: Zi Alexis, Dan Richardson, Roy Godfrey, George Edgson*, Ciaran Parker*, Ollie Dawe*.
Lock/back row: Max Argyle, Josh Bainbridge, Rory Bartle, Kyle Hatherell, Jake Upfield, Zak Farrance*, Sean O’Connor*, Shay Kerry *, Lewis Wynne*.
Scrum-half: Michael Dowsett*, James Elliott*.
Fly-half: Brendan Cope, Sam Leeming*.
Centre: Apakuki Ma’afu, George Spencer.
Wing and full-back: Brendan Owen, Tom Williams.
Recently departed
Prop: Leeroy Atalifo, Alec Clarey, Harry Morley, James Wayland.
Lock/back row: Charlie Beckett, Liam Hallam-Eames, Conor Joyce, Janco Venter, George Willmott.
Scrum-half: Will Homer, Liam Howley.
Fly-half: Aaron Penberthy, Greg Dyer.
Centre: Mark Best, Rodney Iona, James Newey
Wing: Auguy Slowik, Jack Stapley, Leroy Van Dam.
