| Born | Michael Le Bourgeois 29 July 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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]
Le 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.
In 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]
Jersey