The second and final pre-season match ahead of the 2026/27 campaign will see Jersey RFC’s men travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.
The visitors will encounter a home side still on a high after an unbeaten, promotion-winning season that means they will take their place in the league that JRFC just left, Regional 1 South Central.
In finishing seven points clear of Winchester, a lone draw was the only “blemish” on the Lions’ 2025/26 season and they have recruited over the summer, with experienced props Joe Farrant and Ryder Joyce among the signings.
Jersey had a stiff work-out last Saturday against Welsh visitors Pontypridd. In contrast to some pre-season encounters that can feature optional defence and numerous tries, this was a full-throttle affair that eventually saw a Welsh victory by 19 points to 12.
Director of Rugby Myles Landick rings the changes for this game, keen to give game time to as many members of his squad as possible. Backs Rhys Thomas and Dan Barnes – with the latter skippering the side – and forwards Euan Spencer and Luke Bowles are the only players retained in the starting XV, and a host of younger players will get their chance to shine.
After a weekend off at the end of August, JRFC men will begin their league season in National Two East with back-to-back home games, both kicking off early as a result of travel logistics. The clash with London Welsh on Saturday September 5th will be a 1pm kick-off, while the following Saturday the men in red will take on Guernsey in a league match for the first time in 32 years (1.30pm k-o).
Admission to home games is free for non-members; for non-members tickets cost £8 in advance via https://race-nation.co.uk/register/jersey-rugby-football-club or can be obtained on the gate for the same price (card payments only).
Jersey RFC squad v Bournemouth (A) – 2026/27 pre-season, Chapel Gate, Saturday August 22nd, k-o 2pm
Starting backs (15-9)
Adam Spencer; Charlie Mossop, Deepinder Dyal, Dan Barnes (capt), Rhys Thomas; Freddie Earnshaw, Jonty O’Sullivan.
Starting forwards (1-8)
George Thomas, Joe Ridgway, Tom Wilson, Euan Spencer, Bryn Edwards, Nathan Thomas, Tom Ellis, Luke Bowles.
Replacements (16-22)
Danny Rodrigues, Cameron Queree, Cam Keys, Quentin Fevrier, Callum Cuthbert, Alex Neasham, Samuel Hunter.
