Michael Le Bourgeois (born 29 July 1990)[1] is a Jerseyman professional rugby union player who plays for Championship side, Bedford Blues as a centre[2] and can also play as a fullback[3] or as a fly-half.[4][5]
| Birth name | Michael Le Bourgeois | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 29 July 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Jersey | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Career
editLe Bourgeois broke into rugby through Jersey's academy, making his debut in 2008 when Jersey were promoted to London 1 from London 2 South.[6][7] In June 2011, Le Bourgeois became the first Jersey academy graduate and the first Jersey born player to sign a professional contract with Jersey.[6] He was the top point scorer for Jersey in National League 1 for the 2011-2012 season as Jersey were promoted to the Championship.[8] In addition, Le Bourgeois was also listed as one of the top ten kickers in National League 1 along with fellow Jersey player, Ross Broadfoot.[9] Later in 2012, he scored Jersey's first Championship try at Headingley Stadium against Leeds Carnegie.[10]
In April 2013, Le Bourgeois left Jersey to move to Bedford Blues.[11] His time at Jersey was the most successful period in the club's history, scoring 891 points in league and British & Irish Cup matches and seeing the club rise from tier 5 all the way to the second division.[12]
Le Bourgeois has also previously been selected to represent the Hampshire Rugby Football Union in the County Championship.[13] When Jersey were promoted from level five of the English rugby union system, Le Bourgeois became ineligible to represent Hampshire.[14]
In 2018, Le Bourgeois signed for Premiership club Wasps, and in December 2019 it was announced he had re-signed on a new contract following good performances in the number 12 shirt for Wasps since signing.
Personal life
editIn Jersey, Le Bourgeois is viewed as a role model.[15] In August 2011, Le Bourgeois was arrested for drink-driving, theft of a vehicle, driving without insurance and driving without a valid driving licence.[16] He was banned from driving for 23 months and fined £1,600.[16] He was also banned by Jersey for one match which meant he did not play for Jersey against Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.[15] Afterwards, he apologised for his actions.[17]
Honours
editJersey
- Siam Cup winners (3 times): 2009, 2011, 2013[18][19][20]
- National 3 Champions Cup winners: 2009-10[21]
- National League 3 London & SE champions: 2009-10[22]
- National League 2 (north v south) promotion playoff winners: 2010–11
- National League 1 champions: 2011–12
References
edit- ^ "Player profiles". Jersey RFC. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Jersey may send best young players to England". BBC Sport. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Mike Le Bourgeois". Now Rugby. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Evans hat-trick secures cross channel victory for Cornish Pirates". Falmouth Packet. 3 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ Pryor, Tim (23 April 2012). "Jersey promoted: The rise and rise of an island side". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Landmark signing for Rugby Club". This is Jersey. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Jersey rugby club gain promotion". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Fylde squad for big finale v Jersey". Fylde Rugby. 1 June 2009. Archived from the original on 28 April 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Week 28 results roundup with week 29, 21 April match". Rugby Network. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ Pryor, Tim (8 September 2012). "Leeds beat Jersey to clinch first win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Jersey's le Bourgeois joins Bedford". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Michael Le Bourgeois Record by competition". Rugby Statbunker. 20 April 2013.
- ^ "Club Hampshire 12 Somerset 34 – report". Hampshire RFU. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "County Championships". Rugby Football Union. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Rugby player Michael le Bourgeois banned from driving". BBC News. 9 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Jersey rugby star banned from driving". Channel TV. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Drink driving apology from player Michael le Bourgeois". BBC News. 9 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Jersey reclaim Siam from Guernsey". BBC News. 2 May 2009.
- ^ "Jersey thrash Guernsey 73-5 to win the Siam Cup". BBC News. 14 May 2011.
- ^ "Jersey win Siam but Guernsey fight bravely". Jersey Evening Post. 13 May 2013.
- ^ BBC Sport – Rugby Union – Jersey win National Three Cup Final. BBC News (8 May 2010).
- ^ MatchByDivision Archived 21 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Clubs.rfu.com.