Jersey's James Ellershaw has broken arms and leg

Former Saracens prop Ellershaw (left) has started one match and been a replacement three times for Jersey this season

Jersey Rugby Club prop James Ellershaw broke both his arms and fractured his leg in this week's car crash, the chairman of the club has confirmed.

The 29-year-old is being treated in hospital in his home town of Luton.

He signed from Old Albanian in June and also made one appearance for Saracens in the Premiership last season.

"James has been undergoing surgery in the past couple of days, it was a very big shock to us," chairman Bill Dempsey told BBC Radio Jersey.

He continued: "He's someone who had came over to the island a couple of months ago and a guy who always had a smile on his face.

"We know that both his arms are broken but to what extent I don't know.

"We also know that he had multiple fractures to the leg and part of an operation yesterday was to do some work on his knee - It's very early days."

Jersey face Wharfedale in National One at the weekend and Dempsey hopes the squad will unite following the news of the crash.

"Knowing what the guys are like I think something like this actually puts you closer together as a team," he said.

"You go out and prove what you can do and possibly as a team you get stronger from things like this.

"I hope that this weekend will see the start of a long run of wins for us."