He becomes the first player to reach this milestone since the club’s rebirth in 2017 and has become something of a talisman for the Vikings, playing a major part in the recent improvement under Layton Batiste.

This fixture against fellow islanders from the Isle of Wight is the final away contest of the season for the black-and-yellows. The match was rearranged earlier this season due to poor weather and now poses an excellent opportunity for the Vikings to secure just their second away victory of the season as they fight for survival in Counties One Hampshire.

Last weekend, St Jacques nearly upset Basingstoke but had to settle for a bonus point. That has been the story for much of the season, with many close games against the top sides and falling just short of victory.

Sandown were promoted alongside the Vikings last season, but they have fared better and now sit firmly in mid-table. The fixture will undoubtedly be a stern test, yet it offers a great opportunity for the Vikings to pull away from the bottom two in the table.

As this is a rearranged fixture, several players are unavailable for the trip and two players picked up injuries last week. Michael Smith and Sam Ferry have been ruled out, with Michael Smith expected to miss the next few games. Captain Tom Veillard is among those unavailable this week, while a bout of illness has ruled out several additional players.

On a positive note, Ewan Wakeham returns to the side. He has been a bright spark since making his debut at the start of the year. He starts at scrum-half, with Matt Lomas-Lloyd shifting to flyhalf. Wakeham will co-captain the side this week alongside Chris Croft, who is named in the back row after returning from holiday.

Corey Wallis, who has recently been absent through sickness, is back in the front row. He starts alongside Phil Le Noury and Jack Webber.

Centurion Mitchell Smith continues in the second row, once again partnering Keiran Williamson. Jacob Smith and Barney Paul join Chris Croft in the back row.

Callum Gladstone was initially set to continue his impressive resurgence in the centres, but he has been a late withdrawal from the squad due to illness. Fortunately, Will Creber, who is currently based at university in Exeter, is available and will make his first appearance since December. Jamie Mahy will come onto the wing, while Calum Spinney and Kieran Creber remain in the side.

An early kick-off at 1pm awaits on Saturday in the Isle of Wight. The match could be closely contested, but a win for St Jacques would add valuable breathing space ahead of a crucial clash against the Trojans next Saturday at Footes Lane.