The Islanders received official approval from the Government of Jersey on Thursday evening to compete in the delayed 2020/21 Championship campaign, having submitted suggestions with regards to Covid-19 testing and border control measures for incoming squads and the Reds themselves.
In response to the green light from ministers, club officials are due to finalise details for a trip to the West Midlands with less than 24 hours’ notice. Biljon has named a 26-man squad (see Friday’s JEP) – all of whom must receive a negative Covid test before being permitted to travel.
‘It’s like being held under water and waiting for someone to let us come up for air and get going,’ said director of rugby Biljon, speaking before the approval was given.
‘We were supposed to be tested in the morning [Thursday]. Now it will be tonight or tomorrow morning [Friday] and we’ll have to get our results back before we can fly. We need to get on it as soon as possible.’
Jersey – one of 11 teams included on the Championship schedule this term, following the withdrawal of London Scottish – have been given a bye on the opening weekend of action, leaving them facing a game of ‘catch up’ when they finally resume competitive rugby against relegated European giants Saracens on either 13 or 14 March.
‘We may feel a little bit undercooked because we’ve got a bye the week before,’ Biljon said. ‘And the current situation is not helping us prepare the guys through pre-season fixtures. But the overriding emotion is we’re just glad to have a fixture list out. It will be great to get back out there so the players can get on with their jobs.’
A clash with the Six Nations means Saracens’ internationals, including England stars Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers, are unlikely to meet Biljon’s men, but the depth of their squad still guarantees Jersey a rough ride.
‘When you’re coming up against Saracens, you’re coming up against Saracens,’ Biljon added.
