Guernsey’s Siam Cup starting team, except for university student Robin Le Cocq, who returns to the island today. Back row, left to right: James Regnard, Nick Barton, Layton Batiste, Dave Harvey, John Duggon, Cameron Patten, Darren Jones, Jim Elliott and coach Jon Colley. Front: Divon Crouse, Blair Campbell, Jordan Reynalds, Simon Sharrott, Jason Batiste and Bradley Choules. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0764409)

GUERNSEY’S talisman James Regnard has become a wingman for the Siam Cup.

The big fella, who suffered a serious ankle injury in November that looked set to end his season, will face Jersey from the left wing on Saturday at St Peter where Guernsey are looking to win three consecutive Siam Cups for the first time.

Although usually a back rower, Regnard has made quite an impact when utilised out wide since his return to action last month and, with Guernsey looking to play young Academy protege Robin Le Cocq at flanker, the selectors had no qualms about handing the Siam veteran the No. 11 shirt.

‘A few positions were close and some may look at it as a big decision, but in essence it actually was not,’ captain Simon Sharrott said.

‘Jim played himself into the team in the last home match and, to be honest, only availability issues meant it had not happened sooner.

‘He was outstanding when he came on against Bognor [for the injured Andy Bailey], so we cannot deny someone the opportunity to do it again.’