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'Chance to develop his game': Jersey bring in Irish prop McGrath
By Liam Heagney
Jersey Reds have confirmed the signing of Irish tighthead Greg McGrath ahead of the start of the 2022/23 Championship campaign. The 25-year-old had been a free agent since getting released by Connacht at the end of last season, the front-rower being named on May 10 as one of a dozen players to exit the Irish province following a URC season that ended with them in eleventh place.
McGrath spent just a single season in Galway, starting twice and making five other appearances off the bench after he had joined from Leinster where he made a single appearance - a six-minute cameo as a replacement versus Glasgow in February 2021.
A Jersey statement on McGrath read: “The 25-year-old, who was born in Wexford and attended Bridgetown College, represented Ireland at U20s level in 2017 and was part of the set-up at Leinster, also playing club rugby for Lansdowne, prior to making the move to Connacht in 2021.”
Director of rugby Harvey Biljon added: “Greg has fitted in well since he arrived on the island a few weeks ago and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in a game. He had few opportunities during his time in Ireland and should now be able to take the chance to develop his game.”
Jersey begin a hat-trick of friendly matches against Gallagher Premiership opposition when reigning champions Leicester visit this Friday. Games against London Irish and Bath are also pencilled in before their Championship campaign starts with a trip to Ampthill before the hosting of Coventry at home on September 17.
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Latest Comments
The difference between Fassi and Le Roux?
Almost 100 tests. Fassi is growing from test to test and is already world class. It’s going to be difficult for Damian Willemse to usurp Fassi at 15 and may find himself destined as the utility back on the bomb squad.
South Africans love hating on their fullback. A proud tradition since Percy Montgomery (before he won us a World Cup). So I don’t pay much mind to the noise that follows anyone who puts on the 15 jersey for SA.
15 is a high risk, low reward position. You don’t dare drop a high ball, certainly don’t shank a kick into the stands. In fact if you’re not kicking 60m torpedoes into the opposition corners - stay at home.
And miss tackles? After everyone else on the team has let a break through - best you not miss!
Only Andre Joubert strikes me as a fullback that has been better than Willie. Yet Willie has been widely panned on a regular basis. Irritating.
Fassi is great. And I’m sure he’s learning a lot from Willie.
Go to commentsNo, Penney's win rate as a Super Rugby coach BEFORE he was given a 2 year contract here, was 23%. He came in with a very poor success rate at SR level.
This loser vibe was borne out over the SR season where we won only 4 games while losing 10. Finishing 9th in a 12 team competition & missing a QF spot was next level DOWN.
There's zero evidence that suggests we will win 10 games (70%) as you predict. I understand there may be new assistant coaches coming on board. At this stage, we can only hope for the best.
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