Nat 3 se signings

TONBRIDGE Juddians, who went so close to promotion in their debut National League season, have made moves to make sure they are up for the challenge again.

TJs have recruited no fewer than six new players and more are set to follow before the new campaign begins in August.

Three of those arrive from New Zealand with Premier League rugby experience – key ahead of what is likely to be a tough National Three season.

Kurtis Bandy is a second-rower from Wanderers, prop Brad Tibbitts arrives from Northcote and Gavin Tusini is a top class centre.

Importantly, two of the three have British passports, which will be crucial if TJs win promotion next season as they would then only be allowed two overseas players.

"It's exciting," coach Steve Farr said. "They are New Zealand Premier League players we picked up via an agent."

TJs have also snapped up some quality talent from the UK.

Jo Reid, a National One prop at Stourbridge last season, will reinforce the front row, while Ross Oattes is a Scot who has been plying his trade in the French second division.

Former Tunbridge Wells youngster John McMahon has moved back to the area from Championshipside Rotherham Titans and TJs have also brought in George Lawson, a Tonbridge School captain who has been part of the Saracens academy.

"We had a look at where we were potentially weaker and that was the front five, so we have recruited there," Farr said. "The back row is strong enough – we've got four or five really, really good back rowers. However, Dan Rothnie has left us, so we're looking at a number 10. I'm 99.9 percent certain we've picked one up – a fly-half who has played National One rugby."

Tyron Child and Arthur Evans have also left the club, along with Rothnie.