'F*****g disgrace': Ex England captains to current players react to Jersey news

The news that last season’s Championship winners Jersey Reds are set to become the fourth club in England to enter administration in the past year has been received like a hit to the solar plexus for English rugby.

Players and former players from far and wide have shown an outpouring of support for all those employed by the Reds, with an overwhelming sense of disbelief that rugby has found itself in this position again.

But the most visceral and raw response has obviously come from the players and staff at Jersey, who have found themselves in a very unenviable position today after not only winning the Championship last season, but upsetting Bath just two weeks ago in the Premiership Rugby Cup, winning 34-10. Plenty have shared their feelings and immediate response to this news online.

Former England hooker and current Jersey head coach Rob Webber was not shy in voicing his opinion on X, saying “it has all been a lie.”

“We were led to believe we were in a position of strength,” the 37-year-old wrote on X. “Financially secure. Building until the league’s restructured, then we’d make our move!

“Then we find out over night that it has all been a lie?

“From Champions to this….

“It’s been an honour to lead this group.”

We were led to believe we were in a position of strength. Financially secure. Building until the leagues restructured, then we’d make our move!

Then we find out over night that it has all been a lie?

From Champions to this….

It’s been an honour to lead this group. https://t.co/ijnjPuyg88

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— Rob Webber (@robwebber2) September 28, 2023

Scrum-half James Mitchell reached out to the rugby community to support his teammates, writing: “Absolutely gutted, unbelievable set of lads and so many great players in this team. Rugby community please help the lads out.”

Former Sale Sharks and Connacht back row and new signing this summer Ciaran Booth wrote: “What a waste. Absolutely gutted. I’ve met an incredible community of people in the short time I’ve been here and loved it all.

“Hopefully this shit stops happening to good people.”

Fullback Scott Van Breda said: “All a bit surreal at the moment.

“Devastated for everyone who has played their part in the club’s journey.

“A special place to so many and to see it fall apart like this is tough to take.

“Let’s hope a thorough investigation takes place to stop this happening to another club.”

Prop Steven Longwell highlighted the darkest side of this whole ordeal with his post on X, as he and his teammates will now be left looking for new jobs. He posted: “If anyone is looking for a tighthead in the interim, it would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏽

“Contact myself or my agent Tom Beattie.

“Devastated 💔”

Centre Dan Barnes was more candid in his response online, but perhaps represented what the players are currently feeling most accurately by writing “This is a f*****g disgrace.”

All a bit surreal at the moment.

Devastated for everyone who has played their part in the clubs journey.
A special place to so many and to see it fall apart like this is tough to take.

Let’s hope a thorough investigation takes place to stop this happening to another club. 💔 https://t.co/hkbYdgJRQE

— Scott Van Breda (@scottvbreda) September 28, 2023

Former Wasps and Leicester Tigers No8 Guy Thompson, who bookended his career with stints with Jersey, wrote: “Awful news. A great bunch of players that didn’t deserve this! Let’s hope they find new clubs or great work opportunities in Jersey!”

But it is not just those that are associated with Jersey that have extended their sympathy to the staff at the club and lamented the position many teams currently find themselves in.

Former England captain Chris Robshaw said this was “Another sad day for rugby in the UK,” on X, adding: “Good luck to all those involved in the club with working out what’s next.” His former England teammate Alex Corbisiero offered his support from the United States, extending an invitation for the players to move over to Major League Rugby with the San Diego Legion. He posted: “Thinking of all the Jersey Reds players and staff today. If any of the players are interested in the MLR with @SDLegion please reach out to me.”

Former England fly-half Andy Goode also described this as a “very sad day” online, asking “when will this end?”

Saracens and Australia prop Ollie Hoskins questioned “what in the world is going on…” The 30-year-old was left unemployed earlier this year when London Irish folded, so he will be able to empathise with the Reds players. He added: “Thoughts go out to all involved. I know intimately how difficult this time is – proper life altering stuff.

“Something needs to change.”