Nottingham Rugby is delighted to welcome Jesse Liston and Tom Benjamin to Neil Fowkes’ squad for the 2019/20 Greene King IPA Championship season.
Liston, a 25-year-old back row who made 22 appearances for Richmond last season, including an impressive performance against the Green and Whites at The Bay, joins on a one-year deal.
Jesse joined Richmond in 2017 after a three-year stint at London Welsh and will bring great experience at this level despite his young age.
While Benjamin, a full back who came through the Nottingham Rugby Stratstone Land Rover Academy, shone in the BUCS Super League for Cardiff Metropolitan University last season.
Head Coach Neil Fowkes said: “Jesse and Tom are fantastic talents. Jesse has shown he is a great player at this level with his strong performances for Richmond all season and he will be a boost for our back row next year.
“While Tom showed his qualities from a young age during his time at our academy and I am so pleased that he will be making the transition to professional rugby with us.”
Jesse said: “I am delighted to be joining the Green and Whites. Neil Fowkes and his team have a fantastic style of play and I can’t wait to join up with the squad in summer.”
Speaking about joining the Green and Whites, Tom said: “I am really excited to be coming back to Nottingham, after being part of the academy it feels great to be progressing into the first team. I am also really looking forward to developing my game within the team’s professional environment.”
Nottingham Rugby Chief Operating Officer Steve Smith said: “It’s great having Benji join the senior squad having joined from Burton Rugby Club where he played for me when I coached over there.
“It’s another fantastic example of young local players developing through our Stratstone Land Rover Academy. Benji has been a stand out player in the BUCS Super League whilst at Cardiff Met and we expect him to flourish in our environment.”