Leading the squad will be Dan Brown and Daisy Travers, supported by Jono Payne and Raider Michael Cantle, alongside GRFC rugby development officer Iwan Shenton and team manager Lisa Barnett.
The Colts will compete in the Sussex Champions League, playing nine fixtures across the season, gaining valuable experience against UK opposition.
The season will culminate with the highlight of the Academy calendar – the Junior Siam on 1 May, when they will face Jersey RFC Colts in a bid to retain the coveted trophy.
The Colts programme is the final stage of the Academy pathway and provides an important bridge into senior rugby, with the new coaching structure placing a strong emphasis on player development, enjoyment and preparing the squad for the transition to adult rugby.
Joint lead coach Brown, who has coached Guernsey Raiders Seconds, previously the Vikings, for the past four seasons, sees the role as an opportunity to further strengthen that pathway.
‘Taking on the Colts is a great opportunity for Daisy and me to help young players make the step into senior rugby,’ he said.
‘Having coached the Raiders 2s, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to give players a clear pathway through the club and the support they need along the way.
‘Together, our aim is to create an environment where players enjoy their rugby, develop their skills, build confidence and feel part of the club, while being well prepared to make the move into senior rugby when the time is right.’
Having completed her coaching qualifications alongside Brown, joint lead coach Travers, a former Premiership player for Bristol Bears, steps up as the first female Colts coach in the history of the Academy and is equally enthusiastic about the season ahead.
‘I’m really excited to put a coaching hat on this year and get stuck in with an exciting bunch of young players,’ she said.
‘Dan and I did our coaching course together and we’re both absolutely rugby mad, so I’m sure that will come through in our coaching.
‘There is plenty of potential on show already, so I’m feeling positive for a great season, hitting some goals and having plenty of fun along the way.’
With an enthusiastic new squad, a strong coaching and management team, the Academy is looking forward to an exciting season and fostering the development of the next generation of Guernsey rugby players.
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