A big day of rugby, that is what is in store today, with four games taking place locally, and one game in Alderney.

The action gets by the Grant Thornton Guernsey Rugby Academy Under 16’s who take on Uckfield at the KGV this morning at 11am, before the Guernsey Raiders Ladies take to the field at Footes Lane to take on London Irish Ladies at 12.30.

The Raiders Men then join the party at 3.15pm against London Irish Wild Geese seeking to keeping in touching distance of league leaders Rochford before finally the Vikings bring down the curtain on a bumper day at 5pm under floodlights, as we take on Eastbourne.

In the northern isle it’s a big day for St Jacques Barbarians, as they prepare to play their first ever game against Alderney. The ‘BaBas’ are a new social side set up as part of the club and is being driven by Sam Crawford and is going to be a very exciting opportunity for local players to get involved in non competitive rugby.

For the Vikings head coach Ray Smart has named potentially his biggest ever squad, with 28 players selected for this friendly clash. After a good win over Sutton & Epsom last week he is hoping the side can produce a strong performance once again, and use this friendly opportunity to try out a few new things.

Speaking ahead of the match he said:

“Last week was a really good performance where we dug in and really showed huge heart to close the game out late on, particularly against a side who had come to Guernsey determined to leave with the result.”

“This week we have the opportunity to build on that against a side who are second in their league, and we expect them to be brimming with confidence. We know the areas we need to keep working on to continue to develop, so hopefully today we can make some improvements in those areas, whilst bringing new things to our game.”

“We have chosen to select a big squad this week so we can give the players game time, and have a look at them all before returning to league action.” Smart added.

Darrin Bellingham comes back in for the Vikings this week after injury forced his late withdrawal last week. Reece De Jersey & Kieran Creber are away in Alderney with the Barbarians but Lucas Barker and Mike Aygei-King are back in the side, whilst Nico Alexandre makes his first start since shoulder surgery.

Amongst the replacements Callum Gladstone and James Strang return extended injury lay-offs.

Read the Raiders match preview here: https://www.grfc.gg/teams/99112/match-centre/1-4430433

The Ladies & Vikings games are free entry, and for the Raiders game Its free entry for members of the Raiders, £9 for non-members.

We hope to see you down for a really great of rugby, good luck to all five sides today!