FOLLOWING consecutive promotions to begin their life in the English rugby union system, it is fair to say that the local supporters of Jersey RFC have become rather accustomed to seeing the men in red win at will.
However, the new campaign in London & SE Division – Regional 1 South Central will provide a stern challenge for the Islanders, and first up comes a tough away test at Tunbridge Wells tomorrow.
The Kent outfit are no strangers to the division, unlike Myles Landick’s Jersey side.
They were highly competitive last season and, despite a rocky finish to the campaign, still ended the year in a respectable fourth, with 15 wins from 22.
Jersey will have to travel without the leadership of club captain Evan Whitson, who is set to be sidelined for the opening few weeks through injury, as well as experienced forward Jack Macfarlane – unavailable for selection.
Long-standing full-back Charlie Hubert has stepped away from the side for the time being after welcoming his first child to the world, with former captain Tim Corson also stepping away to prepare for a new arrival to his family.
With that being said, Landick has plenty of experience at his disposal, as former Jersey Reds star Scott Van Breda assumes captaincy duties, following a stellar first season with the amateur side.
Fellow ex-professional Dan Barnes also comes into the fold at inside centre, while try machine George Willmott slots back into his familiar number 8 role.
Landick said: “Clearly Evan and Diesel [Macfarlane] are big losses for us as they were a big part of our side last year.
“But outside of that, I am really excited about the squad. I think it’s certainly strong enough to go away and get a result.
“We are under no illusions though. Away days are tough.
“You have to travel and be bang on your game from the word go, and we know the level of opposition this year will not allow us to switch off for one second.
“But all the lads are really up for it. We have been training really well and, after about six weeks of pre-season, everyone just wants to get out there and get started.”
One addition to the squad who will enjoy a return to his hometown is Cam Keys, whose family relocated to Jersey 15 years ago from Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The exciting young forward has returned from university in Bristol and adds vital depth to Landick in a season where he knows a whole squad effort will be crucial to a successful campaign.
Despite the sustained level of play across the previous two seasons, culminating in consecutive promotions, the head coach was keen to “temper expectations” on the eve on their opening fixture in a new league.
“Look, there is no getting away from it, there are some really good teams in this league,” he added.
“The number one priority is that we want to sustain playing this level of rugby.
“That has to be the focus first and foremost.
“I don’t mean that negatively at all but, at minimum, we want to be playing at this level next year.
“Squad depth will prove really important. If we pick up some injuries along the way, fixtures in this league will be really tough.
“Last year we might have got away with key players missing out through injury, but I don’t think we will be afforded that luxury this time around.
“With that being said, we have boys coming in who are ready to play at this level and you can see the improvement from everyone around the squad year upon year.
“The skills are coming on so much and there are players coming out of the Colts that are very exciting prospects.
“It is going to need a whole team effort to be successful this year.”
Action from St Mark’s Recreation Ground is set to get underway at 3pm tomorrow, with a livestream link available via Jersey Rugby Club’s social channels.
Jersey RFC to face Tunbridge Wells [1-15]: Huw Owen, Gene Syminton, Tom Wilson, Euan Spencer, Cam Keys, Jerry Sexton, Tom Tilstone, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Scott Van Breda (c), Tom Bulfin, Dan Barnes, Nathan Rogers, Bevan Biggs, Mark Boarer. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Nathan Thomas, Jacques de la Bat.
