The new season brings plenty of anticipation, with the Vikings eager to build on last year’s 6th-place finish in the league. After a long summer of training, new faces, and renewed energy, the squad is looking to make an immediate impact in front of a home crowd.

Tomorrow’s visitors, Gosport & Fareham, enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 campaign, finishing third in Counties 1 Hampshire and only narrowly missing out on promotion. They will provide a stern opening-day test for Layton Batiste’s side.

For the Vikings, there is much to be optimistic about. A number of new players have joined the squad during pre-season — including both recent arrivals to the island and promising graduates from the Guernsey Rugby Academy. This has strengthened competition for places, with further additions from the Academy expected to bolster the squad as the season progresses.

Another key change for the 2025/26 campaign sees all Vikings’ home fixtures played on the Garenne Stand pitch at Footes Lane. The move offers a superb playing surface and the perfect setting for supporters to get behind the team as they push for a strong season.

Tomorrow’s opponents are well known for their aggressive forward pack and solid set-piece play. The Vikings have spent plenty of time working hard in this area during pre-season and will be eager to match that physical challenge from the very first whistle.

There’s a debut in the matchday squad for Ed Hitchens, who recently moved to Guernsey for work and is named on the bench. Leadership this season will come from a new co-captain pairing, with Tom Veillard and Chris Croft sharing responsibilities throughout the campaign.

The starting XV has a familiar look, with many players who featured regularly last year bringing experience and continuity. Among them is club record appearance holder Mitch Smith, who lines up on the blindside flank.

Sam Rushent, a former Gosport junior, starts at tight-head prop and will face his boyhood club for the first time in Vikings colours. He packs down alongside Corey Wallis and James Mroch in the front row, with Jacob Smith and Keiran Williamson forming the second-row partnership.

In the back row, Luke Grigg, who impressed after joining last season, starts at openside, while Croft anchors the scrum at number eight.

Behind the pack, Marcus Whitfield partners co-captain Veillard in the halfbacks, providing a balanced blend of control and tempo. In midfield, Matt Lomas-Lloyd and Will Forbes-Lee combine — Lomas-Lloyd’s distribution and powerful boot will be key, while Forbes-Lee brings a devastating running threat.

Out wide, Gearoid Lee is named at fullback, with Cam Le Prevost and Kieran Creber taking the wing spots to round out a dynamic back three.

Debutant Hitchens is named amongst the replacements, alongside Angus MacCallum and Calum Spinney.

With a settled squad and a challenging first opponent, the stage is set for an exciting opener. Kick-off is at 2pm on Saturday, and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer on the Vikings as they launch into the new campaign.

(1-15) Wallis, Mroch, Rushent, Williamson, J Smith, M Smith, Grigg, Croft (cc), Whitfield, Veillard, Creber, Lomas-Lloyd, Forbes-Lee, Le Prevost, Lee

Replacements
Hitchens, MacCallum, Spinney

Image provided by Guernsey Sport Photography