Jersey RFC were split from Jersey Reds in the summer of 2022.
It was initially to allow the club to field a side of local players in the English league system, as few if any islanders were of the standard to break into the professional Reds side that went on to win the Championship that season.
But it turned out to be a lifeline for the sport in the island, as when Reds went out of business there was a team that people in Jersey could still get behind.
With a number of Reds players staying on the island and getting jobs outside rugby, Jersey RFC have had a powerful squad for the level they play at.
They won every game they played in their first season and lost just two in their second as they rose from Counties One Hampshire to fifth tier Regional One South Central in consecutive campaigns.
They were pipped to the title last season by another former professional side who also fell on hard times – London Welsh – but this season they have again been unstoppable.
They have won all 17 games they have played, helped by former Reds professionals such as Aaron Penberthy, Scott van Breda and Jerry Sexton, the brother of Ireland legend Johnny.
“Obviously it was terrible thing that happened with the Reds,” says Landick, who as a prop forward was a big part of the Jersey side that won promotion to the Championship in 2012.
“But ultimately those guys have come in, no pressure on them, they’ve enjoyed playing their rugby, they’ve integrated really well and they’ve helped a lot of the young players coming through.
“Having that experience there when things aren’t really going right on the field and having just that arm around you saying ‘come on we’re in this position but this is how we’re going to work out of that situation’ or little skill drills that they’ve been doing with some of the players is absolutely amazing.
“It certainly makes my job that bit easier, but thrilled to have those guys on board and I know they’ve enjoyed the journey and so long may that continue.”
