Lyn Jones and his World Cup-bound Russia have been left with red faces after losing to Jersey Reds in Moscow.
The former Wales coach asked his son Luc – Jersey’s scrum-half – to help arrange the fixture after Cardiff Blues pulled out of a trip to face The Bears.
He might be wishing he had looked elsewhere as the Channel Islanders pulled off a famous 35-22 victory on Tuesday at the Slava Stadium.
The Reds ran in four first-half tries with Leroy Van Dam, Luc Jones, Greg Dyer and captain Apakuki Ma’afu all crossing.
Russia hit back just before the break to cut the deficit to 16 points, but another try from Auguy Slowik in the second period gave Jersey plenty to hold onto as the home side came at them in the closing stages.
The match was played as part of Russia’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup, which starts next month.
The Bears are 20th in the men’s world rankings and will play Ireland and Scotland among others at the tournament in Japan.
Jersey, meanwhile, are gearing up for another season in English rugby’s second tier and have one more friendly to come – against Pro14 side Scarlets – before their competitive opener.
