The combined Channel Islands rugby team beat Sweden this weekend in their first-ever international fixture.

The squad of Jersey and Guernsey players beat the world’s 31st ranked side 66-28 on Saturday in front of over 2,000 fans.

Channel Islands head coach Jordan Reynolds said: “Our guys were electric on Saturday.

“That was the highest standard of rugby I’ve seen from any side at Foote’s Lane.

“The quality of rugby we have in the Channel Islands is fantastic, and combining Jersey RFC and Guernsey Raiders created fireworks against a very tough Swedish team.”

That was the highest standard of rugby I’ve seen from any side at Foote’s Lane

Channel Islands head coach Jordan Reynolds

The team’s co-captain Evan Whitson added: “It was a really enjoyable game to be a part of, everything just clicked and we really expressed ourselves on the pitch.

“We did ourselves justice and definitely put on a show for the crowd.

“Everybody was putting their bodies on the line for each other.”

The team trained together just once in the lead up to the match – but Whitson said it was “surprising how quickly the two teams connected”.

“It just happened so seamlessly,” he said.

“After ten minutes it felt as with we played with each other for ten years.”

By beating the 31st ranked side, hopefully we’ve made some noise around European and World rugby

channel islands co-captain Evan Whitson

He added: “It was a great performance.

“Everyone got on well on and off the pitch, so it was a fantastic experience.

“By beating the 31st ranked side, hopefully we’ve made some noise around European and World rugby.

“We’ve laid the foundations of what could be a brilliant fixture moving forward.”

Jersey Rugby Football Club chair Dan McAlister said: “Even from watching the livestream, you could feel the atmosphere through the screen.

“It was a great attendance, and the Channel Islands played incredibly well.

“Everyone is keen to bring the fixture over to Jersey next year, so I’m keen to sit down with everyone, take what we’ve learnt and put on an even bigger event in 2026.”