JERSEY RFC Academy have at least seven players representing their affiliated county of Hampshire this season – and more could be on the way.

But it’s proving an expensive business to gain these honours, with individuals from U14 to U17 level having to pay the high costs of travelling and overnight stays for several trials, followed by, if selected, regular training sessions and matches.

Seven lads have made their county squads, with the under-14s also likely to figure strongly once their trials are over.

For the moment back row forward Joe Ellyatt at 15 is the youngest, followed by U16 quartet, Mark Livesey (full-back), Paul Mourant (prop), Ryan Bisson (second/ back row), and Stephen Phelan (back).

Hooker or flanker Luke Fisher, currently attending Hartpury College, Gloucester, where he is studying Performance and Excellence in Rugby, is in the U17 squad along with Highlands’ David Felton (16), who plays along the back row.

Any individual or organisation who would like to help defray the costs can contact Nigel Metcalfe, chairman of the JRFC Academy on 732620 or jnmetcalfe@hotmail.com.

Moore Management are the main sponsors of the Jersey RFC Academy.