Academy production line going ‘from strength to strength’

On Saturday 11 January Ewan Wakeham made his debut for St Jacques Vikings in their Counties One Hampshire game against Gosport and Fareham RFC, which meant he became the 40th player to have come through the junior ranks at the Academy to adult rugby.

He was swiftly followed by Josh Beasley being named in the starting line-up representing Vikings the following week against Ellingham & Ringwood RFC.

Wakeham and Beasley are the latest in a long line of players who have been supported by the Academy alongside the Guernsey Rugby Association’s Player Development Pathway to senior squads.

With the recent RFU sign-off of current Colts players Raif Carre and Adam Giles to join the Vikings ranks, these numbers are set to continue to grow.

The Academy currently boasts more than 320 junior players, ranging from the age of five to the under-18 Colts, and commits to developing every player to their individual potential.

With the introduction of a newly-structured development program for 2025 which promises to ‘leave no player or coach behind’, the Academy is now working with both the Raiders’ coaching team and players to provide enhanced training practices which focus on a successful transition from Academy to adult rugby.

The recent achievements of both former and current Academy players make for an impressive read, with Guernsey consistently punching above its weight.

Fraser Kent debuted in the U18 Premiership Academy League for Bristol Bears in 2024, with selection to the Scottish Exiles and Scotland U18 squads also under his belt.

Henry Whittaker has secured his place in the Cardiff University Rugby and Welsh Exiles U18 squads, named as an WRU Elite Player in the latter.

Felix Godet, having been selected to the Welsh Exiles and Scarlets U18s, was also part of the Llandovery College first team which recently celebrated winning the Welsh Schools and Colleges U18 final, played at the Cardiff Principality Stadium on 5 December.

Twins Logan and Fergus McGall, having represented the Scottish Exiles in 2024 at U16 level, continue to forge their way to success with their inclusion in the U17 Exiles trials, to be followed by an all-important selection game for the U17 Scotland squad due to be played on 16 February.

Following competitive selection processes, Ted Wakeham is attending Exeter College Rugby Academy in association with the Exeter Chiefs and Charles Whittaker is moving through the Bath Rugby Academy programme.

Tom Creber has recently been awarded the prestigious role of chairman at Cardiff University RFC and Will Creber, Izzy Upson and Marni De Freitas have all been chosen to represent their high-calibre university teams.

‘When you stop and reflect, the Academy’s achievements are outstanding,’ said Guernsey Rugby Academy chairwoman Bethan Haines.

‘Not only have we just had our 40th player play for the Vikings, we also have ex-Academy players playing for the Raiders and in several professional academies in the UK.

‘I’m honoured to be involved in a set-up which continues to go from strength to strength.

‘Our success is testament to the dedication and hard work of coaches, plus the many volunteers and would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Grant Thornton, Babbe, KPMG, SG Kleinwort Hambros, Condor, Cazenove Capital, Rihoy & Son, Cobo Auto Repair and Praxis.’

The Academy welcomes returning and new players at any time throughout the season.

The aim is to instil a life-long love of the game in young people while teaching the core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.

• For further information and contact details see the Academy website.