Ray Smart was keen to find a stiffer challenge for his squad for this season. After much consideration the Zoo Sports Shield Division Three was decided as the way to go, after a cracker of a ‘trial’ match against Brighton Blues at the KGV late last season, where the Vikings narrowly lost by just 5 points to a team who were second in ‘Zoo Three’.

The Shield Division Three is two levels above Sussex Two at RFU step 8 and would have proved to be a stern test for the Vikings at this higher level, but a big shock was in store after it was announced in the off-season that there would be no Division Three this season, and the Vikings have been thrust into a much bigger Division Two, which is at RFU step 7!

This means for the Vikings that they will be playing at a much higher level than expected, but equally provides the opportunity to test themselves against some high quality teams including from some historically strong English clubs such as Richmond, Ealing, Worthing, Bracknell and Old Albanians to name just a few.

The step up required from the Vikings primarily young squad is going to be huge, but there is huge excitement from everybody involved to be pushed in every single game this season, and by the opportunity to develop as individuals and as a team by playing such strong opposition. The standard on show for our supporters is going to like nothing that has been seen before, and we really hope that everyone gets behind us as we embark on this very exciting adventure in ‘Zoo two’!

The initial fixtures are now up on the fixtures section of our website (link here: https://www.stjacquesrfc.co.uk/teams/101268/fixtures-results) however there may be some amendments as we are still ironing out several fixtures ahead of the season. But we will kick the season off against Richmond Normans at the Old Rugby Club pitch at Footes Lane on the 7th September, after neither the KGV or Footes Lane are available.

More information will be available as we build up toward the new season, including details on excellent Vikings membership options and merchandise for the new season.