Harvey thinks he has the squad to make it to National Two

Jersey Rugby Club head coach Ben Harvey is confident he can lead the island side to promotion from National Three London this season.

His side finished third in London One last season, one place from promotion, and they are hopeful of reaching National Two with a good season.

Harvey said: "We'd like to end up a league above.

"I think with the additions of Donavan Solomon and Dave McCormack to the strong playing group we can do it."

Jersey lost professionals Hendry Rheeders and Mitch Burton in the off-season and Harvey says they will be missed.

We're delighted to have Donavan Solomon joining the club as he's an exceptional player; he's still young enough to keep improving Jersey Rugby Club head coach Ben Harvey

"Hendry has gone to start his coaching career in the UK and Mitch Burton's gone to Newbury."

"Obviously professional rugby is such that the players will go where they feel their career is going to progress best, we wish them well," he said.

While the loss of these two senior and influential players may hurt the club, Harvey is happy with the replacements.

"We're delighted to have Donavan Solomon joining the club as he's an exceptional player; he's still young enough to keep improving but he's going to add a lot to our squad.

"Jersey's new rugby development officer Dave McCormack has come from National One also, he's very enthusiastic, incredibly tenacious and I think he's going to be fantastic," he said.

Jersey will have to play 26 league matches as opposed to 22 last year.

Training begins on 29 June, giving the players seven weeks before Jersey's pre-season starts on 15 August with a practice match at home to Bournemouth, while the first league game is on 5 September.

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