Committee to decide on red

THE Guernsey Rugby Club committee will meet this week to decide whether to suspend James Regnard or appeal against his red card on Saturday. The big No. 8, who has been one of the side's star performers this season, was dismissed for a dangerous tackle in injury time at the end of the 21-8 victory over London Irish Amateur - a match in which he scored both Guernsey's tries.

It has been confirmed that the referee gave Regnard a straight red and not a second yellow.

Guernsey captain Andy Bailey said that both he and Regnard thought the decision was harsh.

'We have got to sit down as a committee this week with Jim and decide whether we should appeal,' he said.

A report from the referee will be sent to the local RFU-sanctioned disciplinary committee, who will decide on what course of action to take.

It is usual practice for the GRUFC to impose their own suspension on a player who has been sent off, which the disciplinary committee can take into account and either agree with or add to.

However, in this case it was obvious that the player, his teammates and the Guernsey management felt that he was hard done by and wish to see if there is video footage available to help in their decision.

Should Regnard be forced to serve a suspension, it would require a reshuffle in the back row, with regular flanker Nick Barton the most likely option to stand in as No. 8.

'We definitely have a few options and it would give someone the chance to come in and stake their claim for a first team place. We want pressure on all positions, which makes people play better,' Bailey said.