Bristol Bears second row John Hawkins has signed for RFU Championship winners Jersey Reds ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 26-year-old, who can also play as a blindside flanker, ended a seven-year spell with Bristol this summer after he was released by the club. Hawkins signed for the Bears in 2015 having joined the club from Northampton Saints' academy and went on to make 45 appearances for the club however during his time in BS3 he has had to compete with the likes of Chris Vui, Dave Attwood and Joe Joyce for a place in the first team.
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Jersey director for rugby Harvey Biljon said the move represents an opportunity for Hawkins to transform himself from a bit part player at the Premiership side to a regular started for the second tier outfit.
He said: “John hasn’t had a huge amount of game-time at Bristol and I believe this move offers him the chance to really kick on and do well here. He’s an intelligent player and I think will enjoy his new surroundings in Jersey.”
Bristol and Jersey have had a strong relationship in recent years with the likes of James Dun and Charlie Powell on loan at the club and in fact centre Powell is set to have a second successive season on loan at the club.
Hawkins is one of seven new signings announced by Jersey this week, joining Welsh hooker Dafydd Hughes, lock Joe Peard, backrower Ciaran Booth and Thom Smith, three quarters Peter Sullivan and Robin Wedlake in moving to the Channel Island club.
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