Jersey Reds can confirm that the forthcoming 2023/24 season will incorporate a testimonial for Director of Rugby Harvey Biljon.
Having arrived in Jersey in January 2014, Harvey will soon commence his 10th campaign in charge of the Reds squad, playing in the RFU Championship.
The testimonial season will kick off with a launch dinner, in partnership with Santander International, on Friday June 30th, followed by a match between a Jersey Veterans XV and Wasps Legends the following day (Saturday July 1st). Several other events will take place across the following 11 months, concluding with a finale dinner in May 2024.
Jersey Reds Chairman Mark Morgan said:
“At a time when professional sport is noted more for the regularity of turnover rather than longevity in post, it’s great to be announcing Harvey’s testimonial as he approaches 10 years with the club.
“Harvey helped the club stay in the second-tier in his first season and since then the Reds have become established as a top Championship team – we are proud of what he has achieved and wish him every success for a memorable year of celebration.”
Harvey Biljon said:
“I can’t quite believe that it’s coming up to 10 years since I made the move to Jersey – I remember when I was appointed, and I’m proud to have been with the Reds for so long, and very grateful the club is supporting me in launching this testimonial.
“Across the season I am looking forward to celebrating with many of the friends I’ve made during my time in rugby. I also want to make sure the club benefits, and to support some worthy causes.”
Two charities have been chose by Harvey to benefit from the series of events: the Jersey branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which provides care and support to people living with MND and their families on the Island; and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the charity formed by the late Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir which is dedicated to funding the search for effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.
Harvey added: “Both charities are close to my heart as my father passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in 2018 and I understand from a first-hand point of view just how hard this can be.
“On the local side, the MND Association in Jersey tirelessly supports the practical needs of living with MND, while on the larger scale, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is funding research for effective treatments for MND, as well as raising awareness.”
Harvey’s testimonial is set for a spectacular launch, with some famous rugby names heading to Jersey at the end of June for the launch dinner, as well as digging out their boots and rolling back the years to play alongside Harvey the following afternoon as Wasps Legends take on a Jersey Veterans XV at Stade Santander International.
Information about Harvey’s testimonial is available via the www.hb10.je website, with further details of the range of events set to be confirmed shortly.
Pic by Jacquie Ranieri
