Smart departs Vikings after guiding them to three promotions on the bounce

Wednesday 03 July 2024

Ray Smart is stepping down as St Jacques Vikings head coach after more than seven years in charge.

Smart guided the team to three successive promotions to their highest position in the rugby pyramid.

The club will announce his successor shortly and there will be more changes in the coaching set up with Alec Bailey also leaving.

“It’s been a great journey so far for the Vikings. Alec and I have been honoured to play a small part in the rollercoaster that is the Vikings,” said Smart.

“Having overseen the side reach their medium-term goal of moving up from level 11 to playing at level 7 next season, we are extremely proud of what the players have achieved over the years, and we look forward to seeing them achieve their potential in the coming seasons.” 

Chairman Ian Hackeson commented on the impact both coaches made on the club.

“As we prepare to welcome a coaching team to St Jacques Vikings, I, on behalf of the whole club, would like to thank Ray and Alec for their contribution to our success.”

“Steering the Vikings from level 11 to level 7 doesn’t happen without an enormous amount of skill, dedication and commitment to the task. Ray and his team have achieved fantastic results with the players on the pitch, whilst also contributing enormously to the running of our club.”

Vikings will be playing in Counties 1 Hampshire this season.

In his time, Smart has overseen the development of more than 100 players, more than 10 of those have gone on to play for Guernsey Raiders.

Bailey is a former Guernsey RFC 1st XV, Guernsey RFC 2nds & latterly Vikings player.

He was an elusive flyhalf turned coach who assisted in the development of players and helped develop a backline that has lit up Counties Three and Two in recent seasons.

Current forwards coach Dan Brown will remain as part of the new coaching team.