That was the message from Guernsey Raiders chairman Gary Haycock-West as the club’s men’s side enjoyed a well-earned break from National Two action at the weekend.
While the Raiders went into their first rest weekend of the season riding high after five wins in a row, Haycock-West has also been encouraged by the progression of the men’s third team, the growing depth of the club’s women’s section, and ‘record’ membership numbers this season across the island’s rugby academy.
‘While I support at a senior level, within the executive level of the club, a lot of that initiative has come out of the grassroots,’ he said.
‘On a little island of 60-odd thousand, when you look at the amount of people that are involved in rugby, from children to adults, I think we’re bucking the trend if you compare us to the UK.
‘I’m very proud of that and I certainly can’t take any of the glory – that’s come from within, from the players, and from the academy.’
The fast-developing Barbarians thirds side played its first game of the season last month, travelling to Poole in what is hoped will be the first of several fixtures stretching well into the New Year.
The side is being spearheaded by St Jacques Vikings stalwart Ivan Donaldson, as a way to bridge the gap between the Guernsey Rugby Academy’s U18s side and senior rugby with the Vikings.
‘Coming out of Colts into level seven senior rugby can prove challenging for some young lads and we provide a stepping stone to help this transition,’ said Donaldson.
‘The team gained momentum last year with victory against Jersey in the inaugural Mourant Cup and we’re really hoping to grow rugby from the grassroots back up and help push these players into the Vikings when they are ready.
‘We got the boat over to play Poole RFC – unfortunately Poole were a bit short on players so we had to lend them some of ours.
‘But we got the game on, the boys really enjoyed it, and it was a great first game of the season and quite a relaxed atmosphere.
‘What we’re going for in the thirds is to just come in, play rugby, bond with the guys afterwards, and have a good time.’
Donaldson, who recently stepped away after a decade as a St Jacques player, now leads an off-field team of three coaches and two managers, with a core Barbarians squad training weekly.
Players from Alderney Rugby Club are also being invited to join when available.
For now, the team is self-funded through player contributions and sponsorship, though Haycock-West said the club’s long-term aim was to financially support its emerging sides.
And with a home Siam Cup on the horizon in May, plus the prospect of a follow-up to last season’s triumphant maiden outing for a combined Channel Islands side, this time hosted by Jersey, there is plenty for Guernsey rugby to look forward to at all levels.
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