The Jersey Rugby Academy has well over 400 youngsters learning the game. Picture by John Felton

NEARLY half a million pounds will be pumped into the development of local rugby over the next five years thanks to a substantial new sponsorship deal for the Island’s sole academy.

The Jersey Rugby Football Club Academy has this week secured an £80,000 a year sponsorship arrangement for the next five years with local fiduciary services company, Dominion, who have also agreed to fund new kits for every player by September and index-link the deal for added protection.

The massive amount, which was the top end of the Academy’s business plans for the next five years, primarily means more competitive matches for the Island’s youngsters, according to JRFC Academy chairman, Kevin Lemasney. This will in turn increase the standard of the sport in the Island, he said.

For the first time the cash boost will also provide for a physiotherapist to be on the sidelines at Academy training every Sunday while also accommodating for extra travel expenses such as insurance after the end of the reciprocal health agreement with the UK.