The season-long deal is on a semi-pro basis, as Allan (21) still has the final year of his sports science and coaching course to take at St Mark and St John University.
Former Jersey Youth player Allan – who says he is in the shape of his life after a pre-season ‘beasting’ – has been on amateur terms with the West Country club for a couple of seasons and is delighted with the latest development.
The tough-tackling centre plays for the club’s 2nd XV against Brixham tomorrow and hopes that a good performance will earn him a place on the bench for the first team’s pre-season friendly with the mighty Bath at Brickfields this Sunday – although an on field meeting with former Jersey team-mate Matt Banahan, the visitors’ signing from London Irish Academy, is unlikely.
One downside of Allan’s new contract is that he is unlikely to be available to play for Jersey RFC this season, unless he goes out on loan to the London South Division II side.
‘That’s the only disappointment,’ said Allan.
‘I really enjoy playing at home, but the contract rules that out.’ His younger brother, Jamie, will now be vying to replace him in the Jersey team.
It’s a good start to the new season for the older Allan, who had a frustrating last season with the Scotland age-group set-up, having been put on stand-by for the U21 World Cup in France after having his training disrupted by injury.
