Jersey Reds season preview: coaches, players, fans and pundits look ahead to the new RFU Championship season

After 377 days, Jersey Reds are back.

Back in league action for the first time since February 29th 2020 and a rather chastening afternoon at home to Newcastle Falcons. Needless to say a fair bit has happened since!

Memories of the last year are still evident as this new season gets underway. A tight Covid bubble for the team which means tests three times a week, strict travel timelines and of course no fans.

Despite those issues Reds' players and staff realise just how fortunate they are to be playing any rugby at all.

There's no reason why Jersey Reds can't make a really good go of this season.

With just ten teams participating there's no threat of relegation, with the top two teams entering a two-legged promotion playoff.

Former English and European champions Saracens are undoubtedly the favourites and it's The Sarries who Jersey come up against on Saturday.

Reds will fancy their chances for an upset though. After all Cornish Pirates have already shown the way...

With such a high turnover of players since that Falcons game more than a year ago, it's difficult to assess just how well placed Jersey Reds are for the season.

They suffered back-to-back defeats in their two pre season games with Biljon highlighting unforced errors and discipline as two key areas in need of improvement.

Despite the uncertainty, fans and pundits are optimistic for the island side.

Seven new signings will start for The Reds on Saturday as Harvey Biljon's new look side travel to the StoneX Stadium.

Kick off is at 13:30.