Guernsey team give Jersey Reds player a lifeline

Monday 09 October 2023

Guernsey Raiders have given a rugby lifeline to former Jersey Reds centre Dan Barnes.

Reds players are now seeking new opportunities after the States of Jersey refused to bail out the club and it began the process of entering liquidation.

Barnes has spoken openly about the impact of the shock announcement last Thursday that Reds were collapsing, which at the time left him facing eviction from his home.

The Jersey community have rallied round, with a fund set up to help the players and Hawk Group stepping in to pay September's wages.

"A great opportunity for a great club," he said on X (formerly known as Twitter) after signing for Raiders.

"Looking forward to getting stuck in. Thanks for everyone’s support over this week. Still not all hit me, but we keep moving forward."

Pictured: Dan Barnes in action for Jersey Reds.

Raiders Director of Rugby Jordan Reynolds reached out to Branes after seeing one of his posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“On Wednesday, Dan signed for the club. He will remain in Jersey and travel to the island for training and games,” said Reynolds.

“This helps both Dan and the club as we started the season with a shortage of players and have since sustained a long list of injuries.”

Barnes already knows half a dozen of the Raiders squad through either his university playing days or playing with previous clubs.

“This is probably more like a catch-up rather than a new beginning for him. Training-wise, Dan is a quick learner and we have no doubt he will adapt quickly.”

There have been no conversations with other Reds players.

“But that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to the opportunity,” said Reynolds.

Raiders play Worthing in National 2 East on Saturday (7 October) at Footes Lane.

Worthing have picked up one win, in their opening fixture against bottom of the table North Walsham, in five games so far this season and sit four places below Raiders.

The sides faced each last season and shared one win a piece.

Raiders come in to the fixture off a confidence boosting away win at Wimbledon, which saw Charlie Simmonds win “Try of the Week” in an online National League Rugby vote. 

A length of the field try

Charlie Simmonds’ effort for @guernseyraiders wins Round 5’s Try of the Week @TalkRugbyUnion @RFU @EnglandRugby #Nat1 #Nat2n #Nat2e #Nat2w #GrassrootsBeauts pic.twitter.com/hT2rrPVVZV

— National League Rugby (@Natleague_rugby) October 6, 2023

Ciaran McGann was chosen as player of the week.