Guernsey mourn Siam Cup winner

THE Guernsey Rugby Club have been saddened by the news of the death of Siam Cup winner Joubert Thompson. The 22-year-old died on Tuesday from head injuries sustained while attending to a yacht stationed in dry dock in Italy.

The South African second-row forward was an integral member of the 2004-5 first team squad that won promotion from London Four South-West and memorably beat the Jersey Rugby Club at St Peter to win the Siam for the first time in a decade.

'He was very proud to be involved in winning the Siam Cup,' said close friend Gemma Coule.

'He really looked up to the guys as well and got so much from them.

'Even though he was not local, he was so proud to play for the team.'

GRUFC captain Andy Bailey added: 'He had a great relaxed persona and was popular with all the guys.

'It is a tragic loss of a young man's life, but he will always be remembered with fondness by those who played with or knew him in Guernsey.'

Number eight James Regnard became close to Thompson during his time with the club.

'He was a true friend to me and to all the players. He was fun to be around and was always smiling both on and off the pitch - that's how I will remember him,' Regnard said.

'When he left the island, he stayed in contact, keen to know what was happening at the club, and he spent a lot of time promoting Guernsey and Guernsey Rugby Club to all he met on his travels.'

The club have extended their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Members of the Siam winning squad who no longer live in Guernsey, including skipper Carl Johnson, Jon Flynn and Paul Livesey, have also expressed their sorrow at the news.

The club's first and second XVs are both in action tomorrow and the games will be preceded by a minute's silence in respect of Thompson.

'Tomorrow's game is irrelevant compared to such sad news as this,' said Bailey.

'Nevertheless, we will as always put everything into getting a positive result, but news like this puts everything into perspective.'

The first XV kick off at Foote's Lane at 1.30pm against Camberley in London Three South-West looking to repeat their earlier season victory in what they hope will be a fitting tribute to Thompson.

Guernsey welcome back Dave Harvey into the second row, with Dave McGall returning to his customary position of prop.

'We were the better side, but after a very good start, we took our foot of the gas, didn't re-establish ourselves and found ourselves chasing the game at the end.'

Guernsey still have slight injury worries over prop Simon Sharrott, Regnard and lock Peter Miers, but all are expected to be passed fit for the game.

The second XV kick off at 12.30 on the club pitch and are hosting Jersey United Banks RFC in the JRA League.

With five JRA games on the bounce, Guernsey captain Jon Arch is back in the side and keen to get their season back on track.

'We were unlucky against Jersey seconds a couple of 12-0 to a very strong side.

'We have a very young side, and perhaps our inexperience showed in that game,' he said.

'We are still suffering from injuries throughout the club and now hooker Dave Hatcher's rib injury will keep him out for a few weeks and he is a big loss, but we go into the game confident of getting the right result.'