Reds in Russia for historic World Cup warm-up

Jersey Reds will take on Russia at the Slava Stadium in Moscow this evening in an historic fixture for the island club.

While Harvey Biljon's men are getting ready for the new Championship season, the home side are using the game as a warm-up ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Bears are coached by former Wales International Lyn Jones, father of Reds' scrum-half Luc, which is how the match came about.

Jersey's players arrived in Moscow on Sunday and have been taking in the sights and training ahead of the fixture, which kicks off at 7:00pm local time.

The Reds beat Old Elthamians 36-7 in their first pre-season clash and still have a home game against Pro14 side Scarlets to come before their first competitive match on Saturday 21 September.

Russia are set to play one more Test before the tournament in Japan where they will face Ireland, Scotland, Samoa and the hosts in the pool stage.

The Reds will be streaming the game for supporters at their St Peter clubhouse from 5:00pm BST, and it will be live via Russia Rugby here.

Meanwhile, Jersey today announced the signing of Nic Dolly on a season-long loan from Sale Sharks.

The club have also confirmed the departure of fellow-hooker Charlie Maddison to Newcastle Falcons.

Jersey Reds squad to face Russia (Slava Stadium, Moscow) - 1-15: Roy Godfrey, Antonio 'TJ' Harris, Ziana Alexis, Charlie Beckett, Alex Thompson, Rory Bartle, Josh Bainbridge, Kyle Hatherell, Luc Jones, Greg Dyer, Leroy Van Dam, Apakuki Ma'afu (c), James Newey, Auguy Slowik, Tom Williams.

Replacements: Jack Macfarlane, Harry Morley, Alec Clarey, Sam Offer, Conor Joyce, Jake Upfield, Max Argyle, Will Homer, Mark Best, George Spencer, Jack Stapley.