Doncaster Knights bolster back row options by signing Jersey Reds' Conor Joyce

The 26-year-old was born in Solihull but captained Ireland U20s and spent five years at PRO14 heavyweights Ulster before joining Jersey in 2017.

He becomes Knights’ fourth new signing of the summer following on from deals for James Kane, Mark Best and James Mitchell.

Knights head coach Steve Boden told the club’s official website: “Conor has proven experience at Championship level but we feel he still has growth in his game.

“He has shown very good leadership qualities and has a high work rate, he is very ambitious with a good lineout and aerial skills and I’m really looking forward to working with him at Castle Park.”

Joyce said: “Speaking with Bodes and hearing his vision and aspirations for the club were something that attracted me.

“I definitely feel like the playing structure he wants to coach will be exciting to watch and will highlight my best attributes.

“Donny have been a big club in the Championship for many years and I’m looking forward to the challenge of hitting the heights of some of their best seasons to date.

“When the season starts I’m looking forward to competing for my position at the club, getting to know the new squad and facing different challenges to what I’ve previously faced.

“Bodes is building a young motivated squad with some experienced players like myself so I’m looking forward to getting started and putting my best foot forward for the season.”