'Travel uncertainty' affects sports clubs

Guernsey Raiders have raised concerns about travel

Concerns have been raised about how split ferry services will affect inter-island sports competitions between Guernsey and Jersey.

Chris Gnapp, from the Guernsey Raiders, said there was a "bit of uncertainty" about ferry travel for events like the Siam Cup in May.

Jersey picked Danish firm DFDS to operate its lifeline passenger and freight services while Guernsey has chosen Brittany Ferries to run its sea links.

Anna Gauvain, head coach of Guernsey Football Club's women's teams, also called for clarity on arranging future fixtures.

The Siam Cup is an annual rugby union competition held between the Channel Islands clubs of Jersey and Guernsey, where a large number of supporters travel to Jersey and Guernsey.

Gnapp said: "At the moment there's a bit of uncertainty.

"We play rugby to put on a show for the fans, and the Siam, as we know, is the biggest single event of the year.

"So we would like as many Guernsey community members to come over to Jersey and support all the teams."

Ms Gauvain said she needed clarity in order to plan and organise players.

She said: "I am keen to find out what's going to happen in the summer, where we might be able to introduce some more fixtures for other players, and perhaps some of the younger age groups.

"From a women's point of view, we're trying to grow the game.

"We want people to come and watch us from both islands, regardless of whether it's Guernsey or Jersey."