Guernsey loves its raiders and here at Fletcher Sports we are the very proud suppliers and stockists of all the Guernsey Raiders kit and merchandise. Like everyone on the island have been impressed with the success the team has had this season. We caught up with Jordan Reynolds, Director of Rugby to find out more.
Jordan arrived in Guernsey in 2006, started coaching with Jon Colley and has been coaching the team for the past 12 seasons. He was offered to coach on a full-time basis with the Raiders back in 2014 and has never looked back!
You are having a great season and some recent big wins - what do you think makes this season so good?
Consistency in the squad for the past 3 seasons has helped us develop as a team. The enthusiasm for the players and coaches to improve every week has been a clear standout. Our team ethos is based on working harder than any other team on and off the pitch, this allows us to be better prepared to grind out the close wins and builds confidence within the group.
How do you think Guernsey rugby has changed over the last few years?
From a first-team perspective, we have created a more professional approach to the way we train and prepare for games, we do a lot of analysing on other teams and referees which gives us important insight to how we should be playing each week. On top of that, we have formed a really competitive squad of players who are driven to succeed. Our aim is not just to develop them as players but as people with strong leadership skills.
Do you think there is more of a community, people are getting more involved and supporting more?
The rugby community in Guernsey is definitely growing, with over 450 children now registered with the Guernsey Rugby Academy and feeding into our 3 adult teams (2 men’s and 1 ladies) and many more volunteers, sponsors and supporters involved. The team wear their shirts with pride each week as they represent the whole Guernsey rugby community and the island in general.
What is the atmosphere like when you play at home?
The players love seeing the Garenne Stand full when playing at home and it has been pleasing to see so many new faces coming down to show their support this season. The Garenne Stand has a real buzz about it, especially when Rocky the Raider gets the ‘Guernsey’ chant going. As our track record shows, the players certainly get a real boost from the home crowd and endeavour to play their best for them.
What is the next step for the team and what are you all most looking forward to?
The current aim is to achieve all the goals that we set this season if that can be done and if we are fortunate enough to get promoted than we will focus on finding another mountain to climb with new goals set so we can continue to grow as a club.
What will the team be up to in the offseason?
We only have a small time apart in the off-season, 6 weeks. Players will still be looking after themselves and expected to return to the first pre-season session with a decent level of conditioning.
Here at Fletcher Sports we can't wait to see what the rest of the reason has in store - bring it on!
Don't forget you can get official Raiders merchandise online and in-store.