South African youngster boosts Jersey RFC ranks

Jersey have confirmed the signing of South African prop forward Simon Kerrod.

The 23-year-old tight-head, has joined his new team-mates in training for the first time this week and is in contention for his debut in Jersey's British & Irish Cup matches over the next fortnight.

Kerrod played for Natal Sharks at under 19 and under 21 level and in 2015 represented Eastern Province Kings in the Vodacom Cup competition.

He has also played against a touring Wales XV and for the South African Barbarians.

The new signing follows last week's announcement that 4 of Jersey's key back players had extended their contracts with the club past the end of the season.

Lewis Robling, Ross Adair, Rich Lane and Brendan Cope - will remain Jersey players into the 2016/17 season after featuring prominently in the first half of this season.

Jersey's players have returned to training this week after a short break following the festive programme of games over Christmas and New Year, and will be in action on home soil this Saturday when the Dragons Premiership Select side visit St Peter for a B&I Cup tie.

Jersey have two wins and a draw in the Cup so far and will be seekinganother win which would avenge their 30-27 loss to the Dragons in November and set up a potential pool 5 decider against Doncaster Knights on January 23rd.

Five pool winners and the three best-placed runners-up will contest the quarter-finals of the B&I on the second weekend of March.