JRFC welcome Scottish international among new signings

Thursday 05 May 2016

Scotland international full back Jack Cuthbert and three other players have been unveiled as Jersey’s first major post-season signings.

Reds coach Harvey Biljon has signed Cuthbert, as well as flanker James Doyle, fly half Sam Katz and prop Marc Thomas, following Jersey’s highest ever finish in the Championship – the second tier of English club rugby.

Bristol-born Cuthbert (28) who started his career at Bath, won a full Scottish cap in 2011, coming on as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup warm-up win over Ireland at Murrayfield.Biljon said: "I'm looking to Jack to be a really dominant character at full-back, although he's also capable in other positions. It's great for the Jersey supporters that we will have another international in our line-up alongside the likes of Tua Otto, Sami Fisilau and Uili Kolo'ofa'i."

New Zealander Doyle (24) who has played for Leicester, Sale and Leeds, has also represented his country in athletics, winning a bronze medal in the NZ Championships four years ago at the shot putt.

Biljon said: “James comes to us highly recommended by my former Wasps' team-mate Craig Dowd. As an out-an-out open side flanker I think he'll be able to bring the balance to our back row that was occasionally lacking this season, as well as creating some serious competition for starting places."

Former England student international Katz (25) played for Saracens and London Welsh at academy level, but has signed for Jersey from Spanish club side Hermi El Salvador, who he helped win the Copa del Rey trophy last season.

“Sam is a very capable footballer, both out-of-hand and off the kicking tee," said Biljon. "He's someone who can make the step up to the Championship and I'm expecting him to push Brendan Cope for the starting shirt at fly half." 

Thomas (25) has left Welsh regional side Ospreys after four seasons having previously played for Glamorgan Wanderers, Bridgend Ravens and New Zealand side Otago.

Biljon said: "I'm excited to see Marc playing in the Championship, where he has the opportunity to really excel. He comes with some solid Pro12 experience but hasn't played much rugby this season, so I expect he'll be hungry to get started when the season gets going."

Jersey’s sixth place finish secured last month was their best final position in their four seasons in the Championship. The Reds close out the season with their annualIpes Siam Cup clash against Channel island rivals Guernsey this Saturday (KO 2.30pm).