According to committee member Howard Phillips: ‘At our agm more than one senior player questioned whether the club could carry on.
Some of the older players explained that they were retiring, or going to Jersey RFC, and it was left to the younger players to decide whether they could carry Les Quennevais forward.
‘All of us thought that Les Quennevais did have a future.
The biggest concern for us was simply that we had no idea of how to run a rugby club; we are all quite young and have never done this kind of thing before.’ So, a completely new committee was established, with the only ‘old boy’, Roy Le Lièvre, being elected as president.
The other chief committee members are therefore Darren O’Brien (captain), Luke Moon (secretary) and Howard Phillips (treasurer).
Having made up to 80 phone calls between them, the committee believe they have a nucleus of 25 players.
They also have a new coach in the form of Canadian Mike Hawkins.
And, if Les Quennevais had folded, it would have been ominous news for other junior clubs, reducing their number to four.
As Jersey Rugby Club chairman Chris Scott explained: ‘Jersey has lost far too many clubs already and cannot afford to let another one go.
It is essential from my and the JRFC’s point of view that Les Quennevais continue on a long-term basis, and the club will do all that they can to support them.’ As for captain Darren O’Brien, he is very upbeat about the club’s potential, despite the pessimism expressed at that agm.
‘We’ve got the nucleus of our squad together but we’re looking to expand our options, and not just with experienced players.
In the past we’ve had guys come up who had never played the game and by the end of the season they were pretty useful players,’ he said.
‘This season will be all about building for the future, but we’ve got some talented players and don’t think a piece of silverware is beyond us.’ Speaking as a member of the team which won the Hampshire Bowl against county opposition only two years ago, former president Peter Deffains added: ‘the club has been hugely successful over the years, but it was time for a change.
I’m delighted that the younger lads have decided to take on the challenge and will continue to enjoy the unique spirit of Les Quennevais Rugby Club.’ Players are still needed, and anyone interested in playing can contact Darren O’Brien on 07797742630, e-mail lqrfc@jerseymail.co.uk, or simply turn up for Wednesday’s training.
