Jersey sign Exeter winger Mark Foster on a two-year deal

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Mark Foster

Jersey have signed Exeter winger Mark Foster on a permanent deal after ending the season on loan at the island side.

Foster, 29, has penned a two-year contract at St Peter.

Jersey have also extended the contract of their long-serving prop Jon Brennan, with James Copsey also staying at the club, while Newport Gwent Dragons back-row Tom Brown has also signed.

But Welsh full-back Barry Davies, prop James Gethings and local-born number eight Nick Trower all leave the squad.

"First and foremost Mark Foster will be a player - he has already shown the talent and experience that made him part of a Premiership squad for four seasons," director of rugby Ben Harvey said.

"He also has longer-term ambitions in coaching, and the intention is that he will start to play a part in coaching our backs."

Brennan has been with the side throughout their rise from amateur rugby in London South West Division Three to their promotion to the second tier of the sport last year.

"JB showed last season that he was more than capable of performing at level two, and was a major factor in making our scrum a one of the most respected units in the league," Harvey said

"I'm sure all supporters in Jersey will be as pleased as I am that he's signed up for another campaign."

Brown has played 13 times in the Pro12 for the Dragons this season as well as four times in the Amlin Cup and has played for Wales at Under 21 level and at full international level in rugby league.

Harvey says it has been tough revamping the squad, with the likes of Tower, who was a favourite of the fans at St Peter, playing part-time.

"There have been some difficult decisions to be made as we plan for next season and move towards becoming a full-time squad.

"All of the departing players have played a part in the club's success and I'd like to wish them well for the future.

"I'm pleased to have some very talented individuals, both established Jersey players and new signings, in the mix for the forthcoming season and am confident we will be a force to be reckoned with once the league action gets underway next September," Harvey added.

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