AS now rubber-stamped by the RFU, from next season onwards Jersey will be classified as a National league Division III side, providing they are not relegated from London I.

Although it’s at the bottom of a new national hierarchy which eventually leads to the likes of Guinness Premiership sides Leicester Tigers, London Irish, Bath and Wasps – it’s an amazing level for an Island club to have achieved.

But while further grandeur for a parochial rugby Island seems like the wildest of dreams, coach Ben Harvey believes that, with time, everything is possible as long as the right structure is in place. ‘The next few years will be financially tough; I know,’ he said. ‘But at a time of financial recession we have to keep going forward, even if it’s only a small step at a time. ‘Our next ambition should be to climb higher, not just stay where we are. I believe we’ve already come on in big leaps and bounds, although we can’t afford to sit still. For Jersey to succeed, we have to find a way forward.’

Chairman Bill Dempsey agrees. Between now and the end of 2008 he will be hosting at least one informal meeting with other members of the Rugby Club committee, planning as far as five years ahead.

• Jersey 2nds play Les Quennevais Sharks at noon today at Les Quennevais.

• Picture: Ben Harvey