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Sporting history will be made when a new Channel Islands rugby side takes to the field to tackle Sweden in an international clash to close out the season.
The squad will bring together the best players from Guernsey Raiders and Jersey RFC, selected on the back of Siam Cup performances for the match, which will be held at Footes Lane on Saturday 17 May.
Guernsey Raiders have spoken about creating a huge community event where the emphasis will be on entertaining, attacking rugby and there are hopes the visionary concept will grow to encompass more teams and tougher opponents in the years to come.
The idea is that in the future either Guernsey or Jersey will host the CI fixture when they do not have the annual Siam, something that will potentially provide a welcome boost to their finances as well as a fixture for fans to relish.
The Siam is the second oldest trophy in rugby, first contested between the clubs in 1920. This will be the first time the two competitors have come together as a CI side.
Pictured: Charlie Simmonds with the Siam after Guernsey's win at Footes Lane in May.
Guernsey Raiders Chairman Gary Haycock-West said it was a good opportunity to move Guernsey and Jersey rugby on.
"What's good for the players? They give their heart and soul on the pitch and in training week in, week out, how can they take their game to a new level?" he said.
It is a similar concept to the British & Irish Lions, where the home nations players unite to tour the southern hemisphere every four years.
"For me, it's trying to make it a festival, trying to make it welcoming for families and be inclusive for everyone."
Pictured: Guernsey Raiders Director of Rugby Jordan Reynolds, Chairman Gary Haycock-West and Vice Chairman Garry Gnapp.
Guernsey Raiders Director of Rugby Jordan Reynolds said one of the club's focuses was on bringing the community together.
"We looked at different events that we've been putting on over the years. We have the Siam Cup, which is the pinnacle. It's 5,000 people turning up to a game, and it doesn't get any bigger. So we thought, 'well, how can we replicate something like that?' Because we want to give something else."
Sweden's international side plays in the European Nations Cup and as of November was ranked 31st in the world.
A lot of their squad are playing at National One level in the English leagues.
Raiders are currently one step below that
"Although that's a daunting task, I think the fact that we're combining with Jersey, there's a lot of quality in both sides. They've still got a lot of Championship guys there playing. We've still got a lot of quality in ours.
"I think it would be a daunting task if we're doing this by ourselves, not so much because we don't have the talent in our squad, but after playing 30 league games for the season, it's that the bodies are pretty tired, so combining the resources with Jersey makes it interesting."
Selection adds a whole new dynamic to the Siam, not that the players need any more motivation for that.
"It's not to take away from the Siam either. That still has a special, special spot in everyone's minds. This is just something completely different and it's important that we get that out, because playing international rugby is not something that's common over here for us, so to be able to do that is fantastic."
Guernsey Raiders Vice Chairman Chris Gnapp said they did not want to stand still on the concept.
"We're very clear, this is the inaugural event, and it will just be the men's game that we play," he said.
"However we anticipate this event is going to be a big success, and there's going to be a real appetite for it moving forward. So we want to grow it. Our aim is to create a Siam style event in the years where we don't have a Siam. So that means a ladies match, a second team match, and perhaps a vets match as well. I think the reality is those things will come over the course of the years."
Jersey RFC Chairman, Dan McAlister said: "This is a really exciting collaboration between the two islands and will be a fantastic way to finish the season. Both Guernsey and Jersey have been established parts of the English rugby system for many years, without getting the chance to test ourselves on an international stage, so joining forces in this way is a great initiative for Channel Islands' rugby."
The fixture takes place on the same day as the Muratti, which will be held in the afternoon at Guernsey FA's new home, Victoria Park.
The rugby kicks off at 19:30, offering the chance to take in two big sporting occasions in one day.
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