Harvey Biljon: Jersey Reds head coach signs new four-year deal

Harvey Biljon's previous deal was due to run out at the end of the season

Jersey Reds head coach Harvey Biljon has signed a new four-year contract with the Championship club, keeping him at St Peter until the summer of 2021.

The 39-year-old South African was appointed in January 2014 and led the side to sixth place last season, their highest ever finish.

The Channel Islanders are now eighth, but have had to sell their assets for £1.5m in order to see out the campaign.

Biljon, a former Wasps scrum-half, joined the Reds from Cornish Pirates.

He was assistant coach with Pirates, who won the British and Irish Cup and reached the Championship play-offs during his time at the club.

Jersey were an amateur side playing in the seventh tier 12 years ago, but are now in their fifth year in the second tier after a rapid rise through English rugby.

Analysis

Tim Pryor, BBC Radio Jersey sports editor

"Biljon took over with the club battling to stay in the Championship, and in just three years has guided them to their two highest ever finishes and a B&I Cup semi-final.

"His greatest moment during his spell so far though was, arguably, leading Jersey to a dramatic last-day win at Bedford Blues in 2014 to avoid relegation.

"Helped hugely by forwards coaches Steve Boden and Alex Rae his pack has become one of the most feared in the second tier, while he's also attracted exciting backs such as Regan King, Tommy Bell and Tom Howe to St Peter.

"With the Reds running into financial problems, Biljon's spending power will surely be more restricted going forward, but the club's faith in him should give a great, reassuring stability at what will be another big few years of change."

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