Scrum-half Liam Howley joins the Reds

Jersey Reds have strengthened their squad for the second half of the season by recruiting scrum-half Liam Howley.

The 22-year-old, who has agreed a deal until May 2020, hails from Invercargill in the South Island of New Zealand but is English-qualified through his Mother's birth in Hayes, Middlesex; his former clubs include Southland Stags and Southern RFC, and he was part of the development squad for Super Rugby side the Highlanders. He appeared for the Highlanders in an exhibition match against Racing 92 in Hong Kong in 2016, played for New Zealand Barbarians Schools and was a triallist for New Zealand Under 20.

Reds' Head Coach Harvey Biljon said: "Liam's talent was recommended via contacts in New Zealand and now he has a chance to take his career to the next level in a full-time professional environment. He's impressed in training so far and will add depth to our squad at an important stage of the season."