JERSEY RFC coach Myles Landick is set to give another youngster a chance to shine on Saturday, after naming teenager Anushan Elanco in his starting XV for the first time.
The 18-year-old, a stand-out for the club’s colts last term, came off the bench against Portsmouth last weekend to score a pair of tries in Counties 1 Hampshire.
He has been rewarded with the number 9 shirt for Andover’s visit on Saturday afternoon [2pm], as Landick’s side target a 15th consecutive victory.
Andover leapt in front of Portsmouth last weekend, after the latter were on the receiving end of a 94-0 demolition by the Caseareans.
The league leaders comfortably won the reverse fixture last October, 40-7, and if anything have only grown stronger since then.
‘I am really grateful that Mylo has given me the opportunity,’ said Elanco.
‘The group is really strong and at a high standard, so to integrate into senior rugby with this much talent around is great.
‘We have a lot of players with Championship rugby experience, so I have learnt so much from being involved.’
The 18-year-old is currently taking a gap year, prior to progressing onto the university rugby scene.
He for one is very happy that Jersey now have a direct step up from the colts into league rugby.
‘For anyone coming up from the academy, it is such a perfect chance to be exposed to senior rugby,’ he explained.
‘The game is faster and more physical, so it is certainly an adjustment. From being involved in the side during my gap year before university, I believe that I will be a better player heading into that environment.
‘Many players struggle with the big jump between junior rugby and university, so this year should place me in a great position to be ready for the transition.
‘What Mylo is building here is special. Everyone is so committed in training to our improvement and there is genuine belief that we can take this team up the ladder and into the national leagues.’
Elanco and Co begin the weekend 17 points clear of their nearest rivals Winchester, who have a game in hand.
Ryan Morgan – a first-team regular in the late 2000s – returns to the fold for a run on the wing, while former Reds professionals Jack Macfarlane, Roy Godfrey and Aaron Penberthy also appear in the starting line-up.
