How Jersey became paradise for rugby’s elite

The Channel Island is quickly gaining a reputation for being the perfect pit stop for the sport’s finest

“We love it here, we want to come back.” High praise from Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s Head Coach and the man often considered the architect behind their stunning reign at the top of the sport. Erasmus is not a man to mince his words, or hold back his opinions. But a quick trip around Jersey and it’s easy to see what they have enjoyed. Stunning, jagged scenery gives away to sprawling beaches that are the envy of much of the British Isles. Jersey is set to commemorate 80 years since it was liberated from German control and this period is still felt throughout the landscape, with vast bunkers and German defences joining the castles and forts that make up the island’s rich history.   

“It’s cold, I miss the South African weather,” joked Grant Williams, one the Springboks scrum-halfs. A sentiment candidly shared among the rest of the squad, some admitting they had never even heard of Jersey before the camp. But the backroom staff revealed most of the team have relished morning sea swims and walking the coastal paths, all done to minimal fuss from the local population. 

That has been another perk for South Africa while staying in Jersey. The controlled media environment and respectful public has allowed their preparation to run smoothly at the elite Strive health club and Stade Santander International. 

That’s not to say the Jersey locals weren’t ecstatic at hosting their illustrious guests. A 2022 census showed around 600 South Africans call Jersey home. And they made up a good chunk of the 2500 people who attended the chilly open training session in St Peter, many adorning the Boks' famous green jersey. 

The sight of the colossal Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman and their world-adored captain, Siya Kolisi, had the crowd in raptures. That’s despite the basic drills on display or the endless repetition of Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka.” The noise only ramped up when the Boks stars signed autographs and took pictures at the end, Kolisi in particular taking time to give everyone a memory they won’t forget in a hurry.

It’s a welcome boost that Jersey rugby needed. In September 2023, Jersey Reds ceased trading after they lost government funding and failed to find new, private investment. This was devastating, as they had just clinched a historic maiden RFU Championship title following a remarkable 15 year rise through the divisions. Instead of playing in the Premiership, Jersey Reds sadly became the latest victim of financial instability that has plagued England's top tier clubs. 

Today, Jersey RFC play in the 5th tier of English Rugby. A respectable league filled with the likes of London Welsh, but a world away from the promised land they so nearly reached.

And that’s where hosting world class teams like South Africa can fill the void. Ben Harvey, managing director of Strive, has been instrumental in getting not just the Boks but the Lions squad to Jersey back in 2021. And judging on the glowing reviews coming out of South Africa, it won’t be the last time that the UK’s largest Channel Island braces the world's best. 

Next up for the Boks, England at Twickenham.