One month, two Siams as clubs agree to 'double date'
RAIDERS and Reds are bracing themselves for May 2021.
The Guernsey and Jersey rugby clubs have agreed to double up on Siam Cup days next year after the coronavirus brought a halt to rugby for this season.
The postponed 2020 Santander International Siam Cup, which was due to be held on 2 May, will now be staged at Footes Lane in Guernsey in May 2021. This occasion will mark the centenary of the presentation of the Siam Cup, and feature matches between the rival first teams as well as second XV, Women’s and Veterans’ games.
Later in the month, the Siam spotlight will move to Jersey, with another series of four matches being staged at the Reds’ home ground, Stade Santander International.
The exact dates will be confirmed once the structure for the 2020-21 season has been finalised.
‘The Guernsey Raiders have reached out to the Jersey Reds to ensure neither club would be disadvantaged by the postponement of the 2020 Santander International Siam Cup festival of rugby,’ said Guernsey Raiders chairman Charles McHugh.
‘With the Raiders being promoted to National 2 South and set to play 30 matches and with Jersey Reds' busy Championship playing calendar, it means there are few bye weekends where we could rearrange this fixture.
‘Given the uncertainties surrounding the start date for next season, we have opted for the certainty of a double-header in May 2021.’
Jersey Reds’ chairman Mark Morgan added: ‘The Siam Cup is hugely significant for both clubs. As well as its long history, it provides vital revenue for us both, which will be especially important as we look to recover from the impact of coronavirus.
‘We’re very pleased to have reached this agreement with Guernsey and that Santander International will be sponsoring both events once again.’
