Aaron Penberthy: Jersey aiming for top-six place in Championship

Jersey signing Aaron Penberthy believes they are capable of pushing for a top-six finish in the Championship.

The island side finished 11th, one place clear of relegation, in their debut season in the second tier of English rugby.

"We want to improve on last year, we've recruited well and we're aiming for a top-six finish this season."

"It's really well organised and the facilities at the club are awesome," Penberthy told BBC South West Sport.

The 21-year-old joined Jersey at the same time as former Cornish Pirates teammates Grant Pointer and Ben Maidment.

The England Counties fly-half played for Redruth from the age of five and made his first team debut at 17, but found opportunities limited at the Mennaye.

"If I'm honest I'm really happy with the move, it's a chance to grow up a bit," he said.

"My time at the Pirates brought me out of my shell and made me a much better player, but this is a chance to get out of my comfort zone."

Former Ulster fly-half Niall O'Connor is another of Jersey's summer recruits following the departure of homegrown Michael Le Bourgeois to Bedford Blues.

"Niall has bags of experience and hopefully I can learn from him," Cornishman Penberthy continued.

"He's a good bloke and we get on well, but I really want to push for that starting place."