05/04/2016

Jersey RFC can confirm the departure of Sam Lockwood at the end of the current season.

The loose-head prop has agreed to join Newcastle Falcons, and will relocate to the north of England ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Lockwood, who will be 28 on Friday, joined Jersey in January 2014, initially on a three-month loan deal from Leeds Carnegie, before making a permanent move to the Island in summer 2014. He has made 50 appearances for the Reds in competitive matches, scoring five tries, although a fractured arm in last month's semi-final defeat to his former club brought a premature end to his season.

Lockwood was named in the front row of the Greene King IPA Championship Dream XV for 2014/15, alongside another Jersey prop now playing in the Aviva Premiership, Harry Williams.

"Sam has developed into a stand-out player in the Championship and it's not surprising that his performances have attracted the attention of a Premiership club," said Jersey Head Coach Harvey Biljon. "He's made a fantastic contribution during his time in Jersey and we wish him all the best for the future."

pics by Sue Trower