Bath back rushes in for Jersey Reds

Darren Atkins of Bath Rugby goes on the attack. Heineken Champions Cup match, between Bath Rugby and Wasps on January 12, 2019 at the Recreation Ground in Bath, England. Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images

The 24-year-old has been sent straight into Harvey Biljon’s starting XV for the Islanders’ ‘home’ tie at Richmond, seven days after Worcester’s Scott Van Breda returned to his former club for a one-game cameo against Saracens.

Jersey have relinquished home advantage for their second Championship tussle of the season to avoid adding pressure to the Island’s border-testing system.

Richmond suffered defeats to Hartpury University and Cornish Pirates in the opening two weeks of the campaign, while the Reds will also be looking to kick-start their campaign following a 45-13 defeat to Saracens.

Atkins’ arrival helps to fill a growing injury void created by Kurt Heatherley (shoulder), Ryan Hutler (knee), Apakuki Ma’afu (ankle) and Lesley Klim (hamstring), with scrum-half Max Green – also signed on loan from Bath – at least a week away from being in contention.

‘We needed someone in and it has worked perfectly with Darren looking for some rugby away from Bath,’ Reds’ director of rugby Biljon explained. ‘And we’re under pressure at scrum-half, given that we only had James Elliott and Cameron Nordli Kelemeti – we were only one injury away from potentially not being able to fill a specialist position.’

Discussing the trip to the Athletic Ground, which will again be completed in a day due to pandemic restrictions, Biljon added: ‘Lots of things happen when you come down from the emotional high of playing Saracens so it has been a challenge to stay focused going into the next game.

‘We’re getting more used to the travel now [early wake-up call to catch a flight], so there are no excuses there. Richmond will be tough … they have added to their squad and yes, we have done a bit on them. But if we focus on ourselves the result will take care of itself.’

Full preview in Friday’s JEP.

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