I'd love to coach at top level, says Biljon

IT IS one of rugby’s cruel ironies that Harvey Biljon, who has transformed the careers of so many players, is still waiting for his own shot at the big-time.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Around 30 players stepped up into the Premiership, several becoming internationals, during his hugely successful 10-year tenure at Jersey Reds and the 46-year-old takes immense satisfaction at seeing some of his former proteges flourish.

To name just six, Kieran Hardy, Will Rowlands and Callum Sheedy (Wales), Nick Haining and Gary Graham (Scotland) and Harry Williams (England) have all credited their time on the island as being pivotal to their success in reaching the top.

As such, there must be an underlining sense of frustration that at a time when his coaching stock couldn’t be much higher – following back-to-back league titles with two different clubs – the former Natal Sharks and Wasps No.9 is still waiting for his phone to ring with an offer that matches his standing after nearly two decades of coaching in the English game.

Biljon led the Reds to the 2022-23 Championship title but was denied the chance to take them any further when their journey came to an abrupt end and the administrators were called in 10 days after they had beaten Bath at The Rec. Biljon questioned whether it was all worthwhile but salvation came in the form of a call in November, from Rotherham’s charismatic chairman, Nick Cragg.

“Did I lose my appetite for rugby? There was a couple of moments where I didn’t know,” he admitted. “I wasn’t sure if I had the energy because it’s 24-7, you put everything into it, and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. I’d like to thank everyone at the club for taking me on board.”