Rob Webber: Former Jersey Reds coach moves to Chicago Hounds

Rob Webber moved to Jersey after ending his playing career in 2020

Former Jersey Reds head coach Rob Webber has joined Major League Rugby side Chicago Hounds as forwards coach.

The former England hooker had spent three years with Jersey, first as forwards coach before two years as head coach helping the island side win the Championship title last season.

But the club ceased trading last month and liquidators have been appointed.

"Rob's a huge pickup for the Hounds," said Chicago's chief executive and general manager James English.

"The ex-England international has proven himself as one of the top young coaches in Europe," he added to the club website.

Webber played 16 times for England and made more than 300 appearances for Premiership sides including Wasps, Bath and Sale.

He is the latest part of the Jersey Reds team to find a new role after the club collapsed amid reported debts of around £3m.

Reds' director of rugby Harvey Biljon has taken up a short-term role as a consultant at Rotherham Titans, supporting the club's new head coach Gareth Lewis.

Scrum-half James Mitchell is staying on the island and has taken up a coaching role at amateur side Jersey RFC, while fellow scrum-half James Elliot has rejoined Newcastle Falcons and prop Stevie Longwell joined Italian side Zebre.

Centre Dan Barnes has agreed to play for Channel Island rivals Guernsey Raiders while winger Ben Woollett has joined Leicester Tigers and lock John Hawkins has moved to Newcastle Falcons.

Bristol have signed prop Sam Grahamslaw, fly-half Josh Barton has joined Championship side Ampthill, centre Alex McHenry has gone to French second-tier side Dax and winger Robin Wedlake has moved to National One side Plymouth Albion.