The new weekly round up for all things London Scottish gets off to an exciting start, looking back at a week (or so as we catch up) jam packed with additions to the Exiles squad ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.
- 21 year old back row Max Berry becomes the latest Loughborough Students alumnus to follow Director of Rugby Dave Morris to the Athletic Ground. The former London Irish Academy player made 6 National One appearances for Loughborough in an injury hit campaign last year.
- Young Scot Alec Coombes has signed on for another year. The 21 year old winger, who can also play in midfield, had a breakthrough season for the Scots in 2016/17, scoring 6 tries in 22 appearances.
- The club have announced their pre-season schedule. The new look squad will get their first opportunity to play together on 12th August as the Exiles travel to Rosslyn Park, before welcoming Pro12 side Cardiff Blues to the Athletic Ground the following weekend.
- Scottish have further boosted an already impressive looking pack with the addition of former London Irish hooker Peter Austin. The front rower has represented the Army Rugby side on 12 occasions since signing up in 2013, including 4 Army v Navy clashes at Twickenham.
- Former players player of the year Jason Harries has departed the club after scoring an impressive 22 tries in 45 appearances. The Welsh winger swaps one capital for the next, joining Edinburgh Rugby for next year’s Pro12 campaign. Harries was one of the Exiles star players, topping the try scoring charts last year and was rewarded for his performances with a place in the 2016/17 Championship Dream Team.
- Physically imposing 21 year old centre Ross Neal has joined London Scottish on a permanent basis, after impressing for the Exiles last season while playing under a dual registration deal with London Irish.
- Student 7s international Rob Stevenson will add some serious pace to the Exiles back line next season, after arriving from Durham University. Able to play out on the wing or at full back, Stevenson has represented both the Wales and Great Britain student sides during his 3 years in the University game.
- Versatile back row James Tyas will bring plenty of experience to the Exiles pack next season, despite being just 25. Able to play anywhere along the back row, Tyas has previously played for Bath, Worcester and Championship rivals Rotherham. He will balance full time training with coaching the junior academy.
- Bristol stalwart Ben Mosses swaps Ashton Gate for the Athletic Ground ahead of 2017/18. One of many players to leave Bristol after their disastrous debut Aviva Premiership season, the centre made over 90 appearances for the club after joining from Bath in 2013.
- Finally, the club announced that experienced scrum half Alex Walker has joined the Exiles from last season’s Championship play off semi-finalists Ealing Trailfinders. An age grade and 7’s Welsh international, Walker has spent time on the books of Newport Gwent Dragons, London Welsh, Scarlets and the Cardiff Blues. He will compete with Ed Hoadley and Josh Barton for the 9 shirt.
9 Responses
Thanks for this – very much appreciated. A lot of unknown quantities there I think – MikeLinds’ glass is much half fuller than mine !
Any idea when the league fixtures are announced ? I’ve tweeted @LSFCOfficial but have received a deafening silence. Trying to persuade SWMBO that she’d like a weekend break in Jersey – but the first weekend in December probably won’t find favour . . . .
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thought it would be nice to update on a weekly basis and have all the updates in one place each week, especially as it’s proving almost impossible to keep up with all the Exiles new signings!!
On the matter of league fixtures, they were released on 8th July last season, so I would anticipate it around that time again?
Ah Chiel, it’s just a wee bit fuller than yours! We’ve made some very decent signings coupled with a lot of unproven student stuff. I hope Morris (and he ought to) knows the students or ex who can step up.
Also pleased to see we are going for a mix squad, not fully full time. I think most clubs will have learnt from the demise of LW.
Next year, well – Hartpury will not be easy, Ealing have strengthened- possibly with a shot a going up the following season (Mr Trailfinders funding permitting). Jersey have had an exodus so I think unlikely to continue their upwards progress. Donny look fine, Leeds (sorry not YC), I think have lost their Carnegie money next year, so won’t be the same force.
Let’s see what the new team can do. I still think we’ll see a couple of loans once Cockers and Rennie sort their squads. English Championship is a great place to find out who can step up. Very unforgiving.
Think a bit lightweight front 5 right now.
Great to see a regular LS thread.
I think it will be earlier. The fixtures for some leagues below are already out. I guess after the play offs, time for the panjandrums to issue the putative list then get agreement. Expect something this month.
And, while I am at it, very many disappointments last year but at least Jamie Stevenson’s effort got the Championship try of the season! ???
Viewable on LS website.
Fixtures announced at 11 on Friday
First three are Carnegie at home, Bedford away and Nottingham at home.
Two preseason games, Rosslyn Park away and Cardiff Blues home.
The following three are Ealing away, Doncaster home and Bristol away. That is a seriously tough start to the season!!