Guernsey building University bridges

PROMOTED Guernsey Raiders are banking on an innovative venture involving Loughborough and Cardiff Universities to bolster squad numbers for their first foray into National Two South.

A meteoric rise from Hampshire 2 culminating in a play-off win over Bournemouth will see the islanders playing at their highest ever level – but they must now look at recruitment ahead of a 30-match league campaign.

Steve Melbourne, Guernsey’s rugby development officer, told TRP: “There’s little respite in National Two, so one of the ways we’re looking to add depth to our squad is by working with Cardiff University and Loughborough.

“Guernsey is a financial hub so we’re saying if they have any players who are graduating and are interested in a financial career, point them our way.

“We’ve got some big names on the island in the financial sector who are willing to offer scholarships or internships and if they’re good rugby players as well, the arrangement will be mutually beneficial.”

Former Bath and Exeter hooker Melbourne added: “We’ve spoken to other clubs who’ve struggled with the demands of a 30game season and we have to bolster our squad.”

Guernsey defeated Jersey in last week’s annual Siam Cup clash, but despite their startling progress chairman Charlie McHugh insists they will not be following their island neighbours into the professional ranks.

He said: “Jersey don’t have any Jersey players in their team anymore but we’re a community club and want to stay that way. They’re putting in £1m-ayear in wages but we can’t think of that.

“We’ve come up seven leagues and we’ve got a good stadium and one of the bigger crowds in the league, so while financial implications are quite scary, we have a plan to deal with promotion.