IT’S the eve of the one that everyone waits for.
The second oldest rugby trophy in the world to be contested – after the Calcutta Cup – the Siam Cup was first played in 1920 and, over a century on, the fierce rivalry between Jersey and Guernsey has stood the test of time.
The Caesareans have dominated the fixture for the most part, although the task became a different proposition altogether once the rules were changed in 2016, meaning Jersey could only select players for the Siam Cup if they had been on the Island for three years.
The stipulation was introduced after Guernsey argued that the contest was “unfair” given Jersey Reds’ rapid rise through the English rugby union structure.
While the Reds are no more, the amateur arm of the club have secured consecutive promotions and will play at level five next campaign, one below that of Guernsey Raiders.
Head coach Myles Landick said: “We’re still putting out the most Island-born players regularly each year between us and Guernsey.
“It’s massively important for us to continue to provide our players the platform and opportunity to play.
“We have been promoted to level five for the coming season and our junior players and Colts need to see that there is a clear pathway for them to progress and excel.
“Players like Sam Harvey have come through that pathway and he’s earned a Siam Cup debut tomorrow.
“He has been brilliant this year and a real handful with the ball.
“What an opportunity for a young Jersey lad and it’s a real chance to show what he’s got and lay the marker down so to speak.”
A healthy balance of homegrown youth and experience characterise the Jersey charges for tomorrow.
Former Red Max Ayling comes back into the fold following a frustrating lay-off with injury. Fellow past-Red Scott Van Breda is handed his Siam Cup debut, after dominating for Jersey RFC at centre in their title-winning Regional 2 South Central campaign.
On the bench comes yet more star quality in the shape of James Mitchell.
The scrum-half was a key cog in Jersey Reds’ Championship success and has since led Jersey RFC as the backs and attack coach, receiving effusive praise from Landick regarding the help he has provided during the year.
It is safe to assume that the Englishman knows the system fairly well if called upon tomorrow.
Jersey RFC’s player of the year and top try-scorer Jack Macfarlane co-captains with Van Breda and brings bundles of knowledge and talent to a potent pack.
“It’s brilliant having those experienced players around the squad and to mix in with the younger guys,” added Landick.
“Whether you’re home or away, the atmosphere and the environment can get on top of you and those older heads can help to calm things down and give a sense of reassurance.
“Having Max in there is a great addition. He has played in a tight Siam win before so knows how to win and knows the importance of the fixture.
“Mitch being involved is massive too.
“He’s been so important from a coaching standpoint this year and it’s no secret that he’s a brilliant player too.
“No one needs reminding how much the Siam Cup means to these lads.
“We are always desperate to win and to do this Island proud ultimately.”
One player missing from the starting XV is Jersey RFC captain Evan Whitson, a stalwart of the team and central to the success of the club side this season, who misses through injury.
The head coach added: “What a man Evan is. It was summed up really well in our recent awards night.
“He is a man of actions and not necessarily words. His work-rate is second to none and his tackle statistics are outstanding.
“This year he’s led from the front yet again and we are all devastated that he’s unavailable.
“Even so, he’s been around the whole squad this week doing everything he possibly can to help the team prepare.
“That’s the sort of leader he is. Even though he’s gutted to miss out, he is still a part of the team and has been just as committed to getting a result this year.”
Away from the men’s and women’s Siam Cups, there are also fixtures for the Jersey Second XV and the Veterans (O35s), who battle for the Fallaize and Nash Cups respectively.
“We are not just one team at the club, we have prepared as a whole squad between those in the Siam and those in the Fallaize,” continued Landick.
“Many of those in the second XV have played several games for Jersey RFC during the season.
“The messages we have delivered have been to both squads and we really wanted to stress that. We are a group of players and the Fallaize is a really important fixture to us as well as the Siam.
“I think all the matches are very hard to call this year, which will make for an amazing day of rugby to both watch and be involved in.”
