JERSEY Reds’ chief has described the awarding of his testimonial as ‘really special’ as he is set to embark on his tenth season with the club.
The two-day celebration of Harvey Biljon’s tenure, who last season saw his side lift the Championship trophy, kicks off with a launch dinner on Friday 30 June, followed by a match between a Jersey Select XV and Wasps Legends side the following day.
Two of England’s World Cup winning squad – Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Shaw – are just a couple of the Wasps Legends who will grace the field, alongside Biljon, who laces up his boots again after spending six fruitful seasons with Wasps between 2000 and 2006.
Most importantly, the event will be held to benefit two charities close to the former professional’s heart: the MND Association in Jersey and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Both charities benefit motor neurone disease, which claimed the life of Biljon’s father in 2018.
Biljon said: ‘It is really special to be awarded a testimonial.
‘In the modern age of professional sports, longevity is rare and it’s incredible to think I’ll be starting my tenth season shortly.
‘It’s very easy to get caught up with looking forward to the future in my position, but when you take a step back and reflect, to see how far we have come in that period is amazing.
‘I am really thankful that we can use this event to raise both awareness and money for MND and two very deserving charities.’
MND Association in Jersey focuses primarily on supporting the practical needs of living with MND, whereas My Name’5 Doddie Foundation on a larger scale focuses on funding research for effective treatments for MND.
The Reds’ chief added: ‘MND Jersey do unbelievable work on the Island to provide all the practical necessities for people to cope and function with MND.
‘There was a lack of support for my dad back in South Africa throughout his battle, so to see that work and effort there in Jersey is fantastic to see.
‘On the sport side of things, summer is a little bit of a lull for rugby enthusiasts, so I think there is a lot of buzz and excitement about having a match this time of year and it offers our supporters a chance to come out and watch some real legends of the game.
‘I’ll be putting the boots back on again and I’m sure there will be some helpful advice from our players out on the pitch.
‘I’d ask anyone who is free on 1 July to come up to St Peter and be part of what will be a great spectacle, while benefitting two fantastic causes in the process.’
Gates at the Stade Santander open at 12pm on Saturday 1 July, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm. Post-match drinks with the Wasps Legends will be held in the clubhouse until 8pm. Tickets cost £15, with under-18s free.
