CTCRM are Kings of the Sandcastle for the Third Year in a Row! 

The annual Navy Beach Rugby Festival in Weymouth once again proved to be a thrilling spectacle of suncream, sea, sand, and sportsmanship. Held against the stunning backdrop of Weymouth’s golden shores, this year’s festival drew in an intrigued crowd curious to witness the intense rugby action. The competition, known for its unique beach setting and rigorous matches, attracted Navy teams from across the south coast including the Ships HMSs Prince of Wales (PWLS) (2 teams), Portland (PTLD), Dauntless (DNTL) and St Albans;  shore establishments HMS Sultan (2 teams), Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) and a combined team from RAF Marham; and from individual entities South West Submarines and MAB 6. All were there aiming to wrest the coveted title from the holders, CTCRM. 

Overall, 11 men’s teams entered playing in a league of 5 and a league of 6. 

In the women’s competition, a large contingent of players came from PWLS, with individuals and smaller numbers from DNTL, SULT, MAB 6, HMS Seahawk and HMS Heron. There were a mixture of experienced rugby players and complete novices taking part.  CPO Lorry Osman and LH Yvonne Mealy delivered a short coaching session and then formed 3 teams to play each other twice in a league format, with the final being contested between the imaginatively titled 'Team B' and 'Team C'. Team B came out on top. 

 
In the men’s tournament SULTAN 1, CTCRM and PWLS 1 all looked good from the outset and some cracking rugby was played. Amidst the fierce competition, the CTCRM team emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional skill, strategy, and resilience. Their journey to the top was marked by a series of hard-fought matches, where they demonstrated not only their physical prowess but also their ability to adapt to the challenging beach environment. The sand added an extra layer of difficulty, requiring players to exert more effort and agility compared to traditional grass pitches. Sultan 1 can feel rightly hard done by. Enjoying a clean sweep of 5 wins on the bounce they were drawn in the same half of the knockout stages as the Marines losing 4 – 3. 

It was good to see teams from PWLS, STAL, DNTL and the SW Submariners in the knockout stage.  PTLD qualified but forfeited their place to DNTL, due to running out of players. 

The final was played between CTCRM, who were going for the 'threepeat' and RAF Marham with CTCRM winning 4 - 2. It was played with a sense of urgency firstly because both sided wanted the accolades but also because the event had to be packed up and off the beach by 1700! 
 
The festival stems from the RFU’s initiative to grow grassroots rugby when England hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Beyond being just a service sports event, it also served as a community gathering, bringing together rugby enthusiasts and curious families for a day of entertainment in addition to Weymouth’s. various beach activities and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere that complemented the intense sporting action.  

Director of Community Rugby, Lt Cdr Jane West said, “it’s one of the best community events in the summer season where anyone can pick up a ball, regardless of skill level and take part. This competition is all about fun and growing the sport from a grassroots level”. 

The success of this year’s Navy Beach Rugby Festival in Weymouth reaffirms its status as a highlight in the sports calendar, promising even more excitement in the years to come.  

Taking charge of the event for the first time, Paul ‘Sweeney’ Todd, who leaves the Service shortly to take up full time employment with the RNRU and has been in the Rugby Development Officer role for several months already had this to say, "This was a fantastic way to round off the community season and it was great to see players from across the regions and fighting arms of the Royal Navy coming together to participate in this tough but hugely enjoyable festival of rugby. Hopefully we can carry on the momentum for Inter-Unit rugby into next season and have a really competitive Navy Cup competition, supported by friendly fixtures against Service and civilian opposition." 

Images by Jarrad Hulm