'I think there is great potential at OEs'

The powerful 25-year-old tighthead arrives at OEs after spending three years at Well Hall during which time he made over 60 appearances for Club in National One.

“I started my rugby career at Warlingham RFC,” Scutt said. “Three years ago I decided to make the jump to Blackheath to see if I could push myself to that level. After a very good pre-season, I made the first team squad and improved each year.”

Used primarily as an impact player off the bench last season, Scutt was part of an impressive, strong scrummaging Blackheath pack which laid the foundations for their fifth-placed finish in National One. “The club did have a good season," he said, "and I believe my form was good, especially in the tougher games, considering the amount of game time I had. I pride myself on a being a good scrummager and I carry the ball hard.”

He continued: “It was a big decision to leave Blackheath because I enjoyed my time there. But after three years I thought it was time for a change and I wanted a new challenge. I decided to make the move to OEs because I think there is great potential there to progress even further.”

The experienced front rower, who played for Kent in this season’s County Championship, is eager to get started at his new club. “I have plenty of National One experience which is definitely something I can bring to the side along with my scrummaging and ball-carrying,” he said. “I do know a few of the Elthamians boys from playing against them and seeing them on the occasional night out, but my targets are to keep my head down, work hard and contribute to the team.”

OEs Director of Rugby Gavin Lach said: “We are delighted that Kieron has joined us. We were caught short towards the end of last season with injuries and with Liffy [Aaron Liffchak] having to retire at prop. Kieron will take his place in the squad and it also gives us options now on the other side of the scrum as Lew Brown, our player of the season, was hanging by a thread come April, having not had any rest and playing 80 minutes at the coal face week in, week out.”

He added: “We thought long and hard about what we needed to address up front to ensure these guys get a break at times during the course of a long, hard season. Signing Kieron, who is a local boy as well, gives us more options in the front row.”

Updated 17:10 - 30 Aug 2019 by Jon Edwards