Match Preview

The excitement is building as St Jacques Vikings get their Counties Two Hampshire season underway on Saturday, with a trip to Chichester Seconds.

This will be the Vikings first taste of rugby at level 8, following our successful promotion last season.

The build up to the new campaign saw Ray Smart’s side secure a narrow friendly win over Beccehamian rugby club, who play at level 7. That will give the side some confidence, but they know a tougher season than last year awaits them.

Chichester are new opponents, with the sides having not met previously. They finished last season 8th in the division, and the challenge they will present to the Vikings is unknown. However with a first XV playing at Regional Two South-East they will likely have a strong pool of players.

The Vikings travel with a squad that largely played last season, although we are without several experienced players including, Tom Creed, Lucas Barker, Dale Rutledge, and captain Matt Lomas who picked up an injury against Beccehamians.

Mitchell Smith will captain the side in the absence of Lomas, packing down at number 8.

Pierre de Garis returns to the side for the first time in over a year, having returned from university. He starts at scrum-half having scored two tries in our pre-season win.

Taylor Quate was superb for the first half of last season, scoring 17 tries before injury largely ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. He is now back fully fit and starts at outside centre this week, looking to pick up where he left off.

Ray Smart also named another previously injured regular, Chris Croft. He missed the end of the season with a back issue, but returns to the side having been impressive for much of last season.

One player in line to make his competitive debut for the club is Henry Whittaker. He is the next in a long list of former Guernsey Rugby Academy players to move through the local development pathway, by stepping up to senior level with the Vikings.

Smart’s men will hope to bring forward their strong form from last season, as we seek make a positive start to life at Counties II.

Kick-off is 2pm in the UK. You can follow the match live on our Facebook & Instagram stories.