Fly-half Elliot Bale has signed a contract to play for Plymouth Albion
PLYMOUTH Albion have confirmed the permanent signings of backs Elliot Bale and Tom Putt and young prop Ollie Dawe.
The National One club, who kick off their league campaign on Saturday against Richmond at Brickfields, have also signed flanker Ben Hawley on loan from Exmouth.
The quartet have been training with Albion over the summer and featured in the club’s pre-season matches.
“It’s nice to get these four guys registered before a ball is kicked in the league,” said Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe.
Fly-half Bale, 23, is the most experienced of the four, having played for Shelford, Cambridge, Bedford and, most recently, French club Saint-Savin.
He had two full years playing in National One for Cambridge, making 39 appearances and scoring more than 250 points.
“Elliot’s had two spells training with us over the summer and done well,” said Dawe. “He’s got experience and he could become an important part of the squad.
“He will be direct competition for Billy Searle with the left foot.”
PROP SIGNING: Ollie Dawe
Ollie Dawe and Putt are both 18 year-olds, who were in Exeter Chiefs’ Academy.
Albion boss Graham Dawe believes the pair, who impressed last Friday against Newton Abbot, could have very bright futures ahead of them.
Ollie Dawe has already represented England at under-18 level.
BIG KICKER: Tom Putt
“Ollie has got a massive amount of potential,” said Plymouth’s director of rugby. “He’s strong and mobile and he’s relishing his opportunity.
“Tom’s another promising young player. He’s a very talented running back who challenges defences. He also kicks well and is the longest kicker in the squad.
“Tom and Ollie may only be 18 but they are very enthusiastic, fit, strong and have got good support behind them. I’m sure they can do well in the game.”
Putt will play for Newton Abbot if Albion do not need him.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old flanker Hawley is pushing for a place in Albion’s squad for Saturday’s season opener after joining on loan from Exmouth.
“Ben’s been training with us since day one of pre-season and he’s the fittest forward of the group,” said the Albion boss. “He fully deserves his place in the squad and could be involved this weekend.
“Exmouth are very keen to keep hold of him, which is why he has come on loan, but with Dave Fisher been injured we have called him up.”
Dawe has confirmed South African forward Fisher will miss Saturday’s match after twisting his knee last Friday against Newton Abbot.
Albion have also signed Royal Navy players Jarrad Hayler and Seti Raumakita.
Meanwhile, winger George de Mendonca, who has been training with Albion over the summer, has returned to Ivybridge, while fellow youngster Ben Stean has signed for Camborne. However, it is likely both will still train with Plymouth.