Another Red steps up to Premiership

JERSEY’S pack continues to provide rich pickings for Premiership predators with hard-working flanker Gary Graham the latest to land a deal.

The former Scotland U20 international, who carries well and hits hard in the tackle, has earned himself a summer move to Newcastle.

Stirling-born Graham has been a mainstay of the Reds’ pack for the last two seasons and can play anywhere across the back five.

A qualified electrician, the 24-year-old is the son of former Falcons favourite, George Graham.

As revealed by TRP, Sion Kerrod (Worcester), James Freeman (Exeter) and Nick Haining (Bristol) will also be on the move this summer.

Forwards coach Alex Rae will also leave the club at the end of the season. Former Bedford and Northampton man Rae, 31, asked to be released from his contract and will return to the mainland, with his wife expecting their second child.

Ex-London Welsh coach James Buckland was the Reds’ number one target but the two parties could not agree terms.

Sale have made a move to sign Doncaster’s highlyrated tighthead WillGriff John. The 24-year-old arrived at Castle Park in 2014 having spent two seasons playing in the ITM Cup with Northland.

Prior to his move to New Zealand John was making waves in his native Wales, playing for Pontypridd and then Cardiff Blues as well as earning U20 honours.