JERSEY REDS have confirmed the signing of seven new players for next season’s Championship title defence.
The revolving door of second-tier rugby was already spinning after a number of departures followed Reds’ historical season.
Director of rugby Harvey Biljon has brought in a mixture of experience and potential, with more new signings likely to follow over the summer.
Among the new faces is winger Robin Wedlake, who arrives in the Island after five seasons with Championship rivals Cornish Pirates, where the 28-year-old made 80 appearances before being released at the end of last season.
Biljon said the move provides Wedlake with ‘the perfect opportunity to hit the re-set button and take on a new challenge – he’s been a stand-out performer in the Championship and we’re really excited to see what he can bring’.
Also coming in is Thom Smith, who was once Leicester Tigers’ youngest ever captain. The back rower, still only 23, has spent the last two seasons at Doncaster Knights.
Four former Wales and Ireland under-20 caps will also be looking to make their mark at the Stade Santander International next season. Former Scarlets hooker Daffyd Hughes arrives from Welsh Premiership title winners Llandovery while lock Joe Peard joins from Cardiff, who Llandovery beat in the Welsh Premiership play-off final.
Ciaran Booth makes a move from Irish United Rugby Championship side Connacht, while another former Connacht man, Peter Sullivan, joins him, adding to Biljon’s options on the back row and on the wing respectively.
‘Our head coach Rob Webber worked with Ciaran at Sale and he comes to us with a reputation as a committed professional who will offer versatility across the back row,’ said Biljon, adding: ‘Some of the Irish connections in our squad have spoken very highly of Pete and I’m really excited to see what he can achieve here after having some top-quality players ahead of him at Connacht.
‘I know he’s a player who has identified with the way we play and has a real desire to get out on the field and get involved.’
Completing the signings is another lock in the shape of 26-year-old John Hawkins, who is looking to reboot his career after seven years with Premiership side Bristol Bears where he found game time limited.
‘I believe this move offers him the chance to really kick on and do well here.
‘He’s an intelligent player and I think will enjoy his new surroundings in Jersey,’ said Biljon.
The new signings leave the Reds with a 35-man squad as preparations for pre-season continue.
