I was fed up facing the same teams all the time says Jersey new boy Richard Haughton

Richard Haughton has revealed how he turned down offers to remain in the Premiership in favour of a move to Championship newcomers Jersey.
The 31-year-old wing parted company with Wasps in May and was understood to have been a target for recently promoted London Welsh but Haughton believed he needed a new challenge after a long career in the English top-flight.
He said: “Having done 12 years in the Premiership and playing against the same teams week in, week out, I thought this would be different.
“You’re looking for a new challenge and my wife’s from Jersey, so it’s somewhere she’s familiar with and it’s an awesome place.
“I had a few offers to stay in the Premiership, including a phone call a couple of weeks ago, but myself and the missus decided on a future in Jersey.
“Wasps wanted to sign me again, but then they thought I’d signed for someone else and there was a bit of a mix up, so in the end we just parted ways.
“There’s no bad feeling, I had a great time there and wish the boys all the best this season.
“I’m not worried about stepping down a level. Whatever level you’re at you want to win and that’s where Jersey are right now, so I’m looking forward to it.”
The experienced Haughton has never played Championship rugby before but hopes he can contribute fully to Jersey’s inaugural campaign.
A tough task lies ahead for Ben Harvey’s side, but former Saracens man Haughton believes the Islanders are capable of making an impact.
“Jersey’s got a lot of things going for it, but the main thing is it’s a club that wants to promote local players rather than just bringing people in,” Haughton said.
“When I spoke to Ben, everything seemed positive. He expects good things and wants to ensure everyone buys into his ideas from top to bottom. He’ll give the players a lot of ownership and hopefully that’ll show on the field.
“The boys have welcomed me and the standard in training has been quite surprising in some respects. I’ve never played Championship rugby but I went down to London Welsh a few times last year so I’ve seen a fair bit of it at first hand.
“It’s a good standard and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Everyone in Jersey knows exactly what you’re up to, so in some respects it’s like being in a big rugby town like Leicester, Bath or Northampton.”
NEALE HARVEY