The Channel Islands rugby union team backed up their debut international with a second successive win, beating world-ranked Poland 38-27 at St Peter in Jersey on 25 July 2026.

It was only the second annual international the combined island side have played. Their first, last year, produced a 66-28 victory over Sweden at Footes Lane in Guernsey (BBC Sport).

Poland, ranked 30th in the world at the time of the match, made life uncomfortable for long spells. But the Channel Islands' finishing power told in the end, with five tries to Poland's four.

Jack McFarlane opened the scoring in the ninth minute, crossing in the left corner. Poland hit back through two Dan Tomanek penalties — the simple kicks at goal that reward teams for winning fouls in the opposition half — to lead 6-5 after 16 minutes.

Anthony Armstrong, on the right wing, restored the Channel Islands' advantage midway through the first half with the first of his two tries. A maul — the forwards binding together and driving forward with the ball — produced Charlie Wilkinson's try shortly before the break. Polish prop Peet Vorster was sent to the sin-bin (a temporary ten-minute suspension for foul play) in the same period, giving the home side a numerical edge.

Poland narrowed the gap before half-time when Patryk Reksulak scored from a maul of their own, making it 17-13 at the break.

Armstrong's second try, after 55 minutes, stretched the lead to 24-13 and gave the Channel Islands breathing room. Prop Huw Owen's yellow card in the 62nd minute briefly cut that advantage, but the home side pressed on. Scott van Breda finished smartly in the corner, set up by Armstrong, before Poland responded through Jersey-based international Eryk Swiech, who crossed to make it 31-20.

Replacement Matt Creber then drove over from close range to put the result beyond doubt. Reksulak added a second try in the final moments, but it was consolation only.

For a side that did not exist on the international calendar two years ago, back-to-back wins against credible European opposition is a notable start. The Channel Islands drew their players from across Jersey and Guernsey, and the fixture rotation between the two islands gives each a share of home advantage.

Whether the concept grows into something more regular may depend on funding, scheduling and player availability — the usual hurdles for emerging rugby nations. For now, though, the islanders have a perfect record and something to build on.