Guernsey Press

Raiders' push for promotion put on hold

RAIDERS have to play a waiting game to see if their push for promotion will come to fruition this season.

Published
Last updated
Guernsey Raiders rugby squad members enjoy what was already scheduled to be a weekend off watching the Panthers v. Colombians-Puffins women's hockey match at Footes Lane on Saturday. (Picture by Martin Gray, 27477122)

Speaking yesterday morning, Guernsey head coach Jordan Reynolds said he expected to hear within 48 hours what the RFU are planning to do in response to the coronavirus pandemic with regard to the many leagues nationwide.

But with all non-essential off-island travel having now ceased, Raiders will not be in action for the foreseeable future.

The RFU have since announced that all rugby activity has been suspended until 14 April.

With more than 85% of the London & South East Premier campaign complete, Reynolds said while there are many possibilities the RFU have to consider, his personal preference would be to finish the season now with the current standings counting as final.

‘We’ve not seen anything like this before,’ he said.

‘We have a few players in self isolation at the moment because they have been away and just come back to the island recently – they are not showing any symptoms, just following the guidelines, but ultimately it means they’re out for 14 days.

‘It would be easy for us to be very selfish about it because we are top of the league, but there’s something so much bigger going on and people’s health is far more important than the game.

‘On the one hand, it would be devastating if our efforts this season went unrewarded now, but if that was to be the case it’s something we would have to deal with like adults.’