Four new men for London Scots

Published on 21/06/2012 00:00

LONDON Scottish have further strengthened their squad in preparation for a fresh tilt at the English Championship with four new signings.

Edinburgh full-back Jim Thompson was one of five Scots to join the club last week, along with Phil Godman, Dave McCall, Colin Quigley and Paul Spivey. Now following them into the Athletic Ground are the quartet of James Love (Plymouth Albion), Andy Reay, Chevvy Pennycook (both Moseley) and James Ngan (Barking).

Love, a 24-year-old full-back, was key to Plymouth’s successful battle against relegation, notching 247 points over the the 2011/12 season, having only joined the club last summer from Hartpury College in the National Three South West.

At 29, Reay is more experienced. The centre won England under-21 caps and played in a winning shadow Six Nations side, and turned out for Harlequins and Bristol before moving to Moseley four years ago.

Pennycook played for Bristol in the Premiership and the 25-year-old back row also represented England at under-20 level. Ngan was one of Barking’s top players in recent years, notably in jousts with Scottish that ended with the Scots being promoted last summer. The 27-year-old blindside flanker comes highly recommended by Scottish forwards coach Alex Codling.

Codling said: “I’ve worked with James before at Barking and he is an outstanding number six. Chevvy is an outstanding ball carrier, has an immense physical presence and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Of the new backs, Simon Amor, the London Scottish Director of Rugby, said: “James [Love] scored nearly 250 points for Plymouth last season which is a fantastic kicking record. However, he is also a great attacking threat with ball in hand. I’m really excited to see how he develops in London Scottish colours next season.

“Andy is a good leader, having been Moseley’s captain during the play-offs. He’s a very solid defender, a powerful runner and has very good handling skills. Someone of his experience will only improve our backline.”