'Chance to develop his game': Jersey bring in Irish prop McGrath

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.