ENGLAND rugby officials have stayed ‘true to their word’ in 2022, after booking a second consecutive Autumn Internationals training camp in Jersey.
Eddie Jones is set to bring his national squad back to the Island for a week in October as they begin preparations for a quartet of contests at Twickenham – against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
It follows a landmark first trip in 2021, during which the 2019 World Cup finalists trained at Stade Santander and used the multi-million-pound facilities on offer at Strive.
Their return suggests a favourable impression was made.
‘After the last visit they indicated an interest in coming back at the same time this year and, true to their word, they are,’ said Jersey Reds director Mark Morgan.
‘It does indicate that we’re doing the right things. We obviously had the Lions and England last year and this season we’ve already had two Premiership teams here [Leicester and London Irish], with one more [Bath] coming on Friday. The combination of what we have on the rugby side and what Strive has; it’s a pretty compelling package.’
Morgan added that while a long-term relationship would be Jersey’s wish, much will depend on life after the 2023 World Cup. However, until then, he hopes the Island’s rugby community can make the most of their presence.
‘Eddie is in place until after the World Cup,’ he said. ‘After that, it will be driven by the leaders, but the players enjoy coming here and if they give their feedback then hopefully it could be something that happens regularly.
‘It’s great for the image of rugby on the Island and we certainly hope to have another open day when the squad is here, so kids can go out and see their heroes.’
England head coach Jones and his latest crop of players are due to arrive on Monday 24 October. Their first game of the series, against Argentina, is scheduled for Saturday 6 November in London.
‘We enjoyed our time in Jersey last year,’ Jones explained. ‘It has excellent facilities and the Island is a great setting for a productive training camp. It helped us lay the foundations for a successful autumn campaign and we want for more of the same this year.’
