09/03/2018

Jersey Reds have signed two young players to reinforce the club's squad ahead of the closing stages of the 2017/18 season.

With his club facing five important games in the Greene King IPA Championship, as well as competing in the knock-out stages of the British & Irish Cup, Head Coach Harvey Biljon has moved to sign the duo prior to this month's transfer deadline.

James Newey (pictured above courtesy JMPUK), a 19-year-old centre, will be loaned to the Reds for the rest from fellow Championship club Bristol. After winning Ireland under 18 honours in 2015/16, Newey signed a contract to join the Bristol Academy in June 2016. He has represented the club in the LV Cup and B&I Cup, as well as playing for Clifton in National 2 South.

Alex Dolly (pictured above courtesy Fylde RFC/Chris Farrow) comes to Jersey on a short-term contract having spent most of the season playing for Fylde in National 1. The Australian scrum-half has made 21 league appearances for the Lancashire club this season, and arrives on the Island in the wake of the departure of Tim Duchesne.

"We are moving to a key point of the season and want to provide some strength in depth for the run-in," said Biljon. "James is a powerful midfield player who is eager to make his mark, while Alex has earned his first opportunity in a professional environment and I'm sure will take a great deal from this experience."

The Reds players have a weekend off before resuming training ahead of the league visit to London Scottish on Friday March 16th. This is followed by two home fixtures - the Championship clash with Rotherham Titans on Saturday March 24th, and the B&I quarter-final against Doncaster Knights on Good Friday, March 30th.