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An emotional Harvey Biljon has paid tribute to everyone who has given the Jersey Reds support over the years after they secured an historic Championship title win.
Biljon was appointed Director of Rugby in January 2014 and by the end of his first season in charge, a few months later, the club was on the brink of relegation.
But Jersey pulled off a win against Bedford Blues on the last day and Ealing Trailfinders were sent down instead.
Pictured: Jersey Reds have now won the RFU Championship, the second tier of English rugby.
Fast forward nine years and the Reds displaced heavy favourites Ealing at the top of the table after the two squared off last weekend and a polished 43-15 victory on Saturday against Ampthill sealed their crowning moment.
It has been a sensational season for the Reds and one that very few would have predicted at the start: 20 wins from 22 games, 100 points won, 804 scored, just 391 conceded.
"This is a long journey from when I arrived to where we are now," commented Biljon.
Our final standings ???????? 100 points in the league ???? What a sight to see ???? Thank you to all of our fierce competition this season, we look forward to another epic battle in 2023/24 ???? #WeAreTheReds @Champrugby pic.twitter.com/ysidiV05Z7
— Jersey Reds (@JerseyRedsRugby) April 30, 2023
"We've been on a rollercoaster and I don't want to forget all the support we've had along the way. From players to coaches to the Chairman and the board behind us.
"And I don't want to forget this unbelievable crowd.
"It's been lots of hard work but I am just so chuffed."
Fireworks and streamers were let off to celebrate the Reds' success on Saturday...
MATCH REPORT: WATCH: Champions! Jersey Reds win RFU Championship
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