Alex Rae will once again be Jersey's captain for the forthcoming
season.
The 28-year-old, who played at both second row and flanker for
the Islanders in 2013/14, was confirmed as the choice of Head Coach
Harvey Biljon at a supporters' evening at St Peter tonight. It was
also announced that Ryan Hodson (24), will serve as vice-captain to
Rae.
Rae (pictured below) moved to the Island in summer 2013
after formerly playing for Bedford, Wasps, Northampton and
Saracens; last season he missed just one of Jersey's 23 Greene King
IPA Championship fixtures, as well as playing in the British &
Irish Cup on four occasions and in the Siam Cup.
"Alex was a real inspiration for the squad last season,
especially when we got ourselves into a difficult situation in the
last few weeks," said Biljon. "He's impressed again during
pre-season, and as captain will be heading up our senior players'
group who will be responsible for working with their colleagues on
everything from scheduling and discipline to social events. This is
on top of his role on the field which is a very important one for
the club."
"It's a massive honour to be named captain again," Rae said. "I
felt like I learnt a lot last season through the ups and downs that
the club experienced, and am proud to be leading the side
again.
"Everybody's is very excited about the season especially as we
approach our first game. As players we really want to make the
Island proud of Jersey Rugby Club."
Hodson (pictured above) joined Jersey in February this
year and made a significant contribution during the final two
months of the season. He returned temporarily to his native
Australia during the summer to join the Perth-based Western Force,
making his Super Rugby in the Force's match against the Canterbury
Crusaders.
Biljon added: "Ryan has made a very strong impression since
coming back to Jersey and joining pre-season training. He's shown
great maturity and an ability to get the best out of his colleagues
both on and off the field."
The Head Coach also revealed that an injury niggle to Rae may
force him out of contention for this weekend's pre-season clash
with Ayr, with Hodson standing by to lead out the Islanders.
The Jersey players are now in the final phase of their build-up
to the Greene King IPA Championship season, which starts on
September 6th. Ahead of this date, Jersey play three pre-season
matches at St Peter:
* August 16th: Jersey v Ayr (4pm)
* August 23rd: Jersey v Bath (3pm)
* August 30th: Jersey v Blackheath (4pm)
Tickets for the Ayr and Bath games are now available, priced £5
(Ayr) and £15 (Bath) for all spectators (including members). The
Blackheath game will be part of a family day at the club, which
also includes a game between Jersey Athletic and Blackheath
Heathens at 12noon - admission on this date will be free.
Jersey's first league match at St Peter will be when Doncaster
Knights visit the Island on Saturday September 13th.
