History
Due to its proximity to England and the major rugby nation of France, Jersey rugby is amongst the oldest in the world, dating back to the mid 19th century. A number of schools play the sport, especially the private ones.
There are several rugby union clubs in the island including a rugby academy for under 18s that (as of April 2012) includes more than 600 players and Les Quennevais Rugby Club.
Jersey R.F.C. are a Jersey rugby club that have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the English pyramid since 2005, when they were playing in London South West Division 3 (now known as London 2 South West). They earned promotion at the end of that season, and then starting in 2007–08 earned four more in five seasons. The most recent promotion places them in the second-tier RFU Championship in 2012–13.
The Jersey Rugby Association (JRA) leagues feature the following teams:
- Jersey 2nd XV
- Jersey United Banks
- Guernsey 2nd XV
- Les Quennevais
- Beeches
- St Jacques
- St Helier
- Wanderers
- HMP La Moye
The Guernsey side, St. Jacques RUFC, which was founded in 1978 competes in the Jersey leagues.
The Siam Cup is an annual Rugby Union competition held between Jersey and Guernsey. It was first contested in 1920. The trophy awarded its winner is the second oldest rugby honour contested after the Calcutta Cup.
Like many small islands, Jersey has a population problem. The main sport is association football, and the national population is just over 90,000.
As yet, Jersey has not fielded a national team.
Read more about this topic: Rugby Union In Jersey
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