World Cup winner joins 30th-year celebrations

ST JACQUES pulled off a major coup in having World Cup winner Jason Leonard among the star guests at the club dinner. England's most capped player joined fellow internationals Simon Shaw and Kenny Logan in the island along with Wasps stalwart Peter Scrivener.

The last has become a regular visitor to the island in recent times and he was delighted to be able to bring such illustrious names with him on this occasion.

'It is fantastic, as usual, to be able to come to Guernsey and great to be supporting St Jacques celebrate 30 years,' Scrivener said.

During their visit, the players spent some time with local youngsters from the club and Scrivener emphasised the importance of maintaining interest at grass roots.

He said that England's World Cup victory in 2003 was still a big part of that.

'We had a bit of a battering in the Six Nations, but it is a period of change and building for next year and the World Cup in France.

'We are still the world champions and that will be the case until October of next year - hopefully even longer.'

St Jacques' committee said they were 'privileged' to have guests of the calibre of Leonard, Shaw, Logan and Scrivener at their event.

'It is a day we will remember for a long time,' said chairman Stefan Bampton.

'They are not over specifically because it is 30 years of St Jacques. Our annual dinner is always a big event for the club as a fund-raiser and a celebration.

'We are lucky enough to have a contact who can get these guys over and we are honoured to welcome them and host them.

'It has been a long time in planning. A considerable amount of work has gone into it and it has paid off, with over 180 at the dinner.'

Club president Andy Ingrouille added: 'The club is going from strength to strength in terms of membership and support.'

Ingrouille's nine-year-old son Jack was one of the children who had the chance to talk to the visiting professionals.

'It was such an honour meeting all of them, especially Jason Leonard,' he said.