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3.12 The Connétable of St. John of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the employment licence granted to the Jersey Rugby Club:
Would the Minister advise whether the Jersey Rugby Club has been granted a licence to employ professional rugby players on non-local contracts and, if so, would he provide details of how many players have been employed on this basis, the length of each contract and whether the players concerned have brought over their families?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):
I can confirm that the Jersey Rugby Club have a licence under the Regulation of Undertakings and Development (Jersey) Law, to employ up to 30 non-locally qualified players and coaches and, as at 31st December 2012, they were employing 11. The majority of non-local players are here on one-year contracts with a small minority on 2-year contracts. As to their family arrangements, that is wholly a matter for the players and coaches, however, I understand that the vast majority are single and tend to share accommodation.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Could the Minister say when the original licences were applied for and issued to employ up to 30 staff?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
Not off the top of my head, no I cannot.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Is it not usual that the Minister comes briefed on all aspects of a subject that he is being questioned on, and does not give the vague answer that we have just received?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
I am fully briefed, but the Connétable will appreciate that the level of detail ... I have just mentioned there are 30 non-locally-qualified individuals, I do not have details on each and every one. What I can tell him is that there was an increase in the licensing as a result of an application in October of last year, which increased the number from 24 to 30 non-locally-qualified, in response to the challenges that the Jersey Rugby Club is facing in the championship this year.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Possibly the Minister could tell us, then, when the rugby club became a professional club and would that have been the time that they applied for the licences?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
The Connétable asks a very relevant and interesting question because, in fact, the rugby club is professional; all players, including local players, have professional contracts with Jersey Rugby Club, and I think that should be applauded by everyone: the standard which Jersey Rugby Club has reached and the level at which they are planning.
The Connétable of St. John :
The Minister did not answer the question. I asked when it became a professional rugby club. Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
This season is the first season when all players are on full and professional contracts. Senator L.J. Farnham :
As the Minister is fully briefed, I just wondered if he could remind us of all the fixtures, the scores and the try scorers as well, please? [Laughter]
- Deputy M. Tadier :
Can the Minister confirm that, were the licences not to have been issued, that these posts would not have been filled by locals?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
There are a number of locals who are playing in Jersey Rugby Club at this high level; in fact, again, that is something to be applauded, but clearly, playing in a championship, we are not going to have a squad able to compete at that level unless we bring talent into the Island. I think the point to make is the incredible infrastructure that Jersey Rugby Club had put in place: the Academy, with 600 or 700 children starting at 7 years old. Some of these kids who have come through are now playing for Jersey Rugby Club. In the future the club itself, and certainly from my point of view, and I am sure Members agree, we want to see more of our youngsters playing in championship and premiership [Approbation] and I have no doubt that will happen. In fact, if I may, I would just add that we are seeing local players ... one Academy player who played this season for Jersey Rugby Club has now been transferred to a club that is playing in the play- offs and hopes to be in the premiership.
- The Connétable of St. John :
Given that the Minister is not briefed sufficiently well enough, I will not put any further questions. [Laughter] But I can say there were 17 professionals on the radio this morning.
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
If I may, I would just like to thank the Connétable for his final question, and to take the opportunity to congratulate the Jersey Rugby Club on its success in maintaining the championship, and I am sure Members will agree [Approbation] and wish them success for next season.