More Matelots at USP RFC!

A Lions Origin Club with Deep Naval Roots 
 
The club’s strong connection with the Royal Navy is evident in its players and heritage. For years, naval officers, sailors, and marines have been vital to the club’s strength, and this tradition continues with the introduction of four new players: Lieutenants Ben Jones and Oscar Klappholz, Leading Engineering Technician (LET) Rob Bain and AB(WS) Mark Gray. Each of these players brings a unique blend of military discipline and passion for rugby, adding to the club's naval ties already established by club stalwart PO(Diver) Mark Humberstone and Lt Jacob Mikurenda, CO of HMS Ranger. 
 
Both Ben and Oscar are both submariners working in the Navigation Training Unit in HMS Collingwood. Ben joined from Helensburgh RFC. He is a Navy Mariner and with regular club rugby has the realistic aspiration of making the Inter Service squad this year.  

Oscar had to buy new boots as it has been a while since he played, not lacing up since 2018! He has navy experience playing for the Navy U23s in 2011 and 2012 and also both Northern and Western Region. He has already made a big impact on the field this season as the starting 10. 

Their combined leadership skills, honed in the navy, will no doubt add value to the squad! 
 
As an LET, Rob Bain has a unique background that blends technical expertise with physical resilience. He had a strong couple of seasons for Gosport and Fareham, captaining the Colts in his senior year. Engineering training got in the way of rugby for this former London Irish Academy and Hampshire Age Group player but now he is back playing either as a blindside or centre. His addition to the club reflects the broad diversity of naval roles that are beginning to be found within the team. 
 

Mark Gray, is the youngest of the new joiners and is serving onboard HMS Dragon as a Warfare Specialist. He debuted this season on the wing against Isle of Wight RFC and is keen promoter of the club in his navy circles. 

 
These four new joiners embody the club’s ethos of integrating naval experience with the love of rugby. Their presence shows that despite the fluctuating numbers in recent years and the challenging schedule that is navy life, USP remains a place where Navy personnel can play a vital role in community sport. 

In addition to the four Senior players, USP welcomes AB(AWT) Alfie Mundy to the Colts. Hailing from Poole in Dorset, he has been in the Navy for 8 months. He has completed his Phase 2 training and is looking forward to weapon training at the end of the year after taking part in November Ceremonies in London. He has one match for USP under his belt playing on the flank. 
 
The Challenge of Dwindling Numbers 
 
Despite its rich naval history and success on the field, USP RFC, like many rugby clubs across the UK, has faced challenges with declining player numbers. A combination of factors has contributed to this, including the increased demands on military personnel, changes in lifestyle, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted local sports clubs across the country. The mobility of naval personnel, who are often deployed or posted to different bases, can also impact the consistency of team sheets. 
 
Yet, the club's leadership and core members have fought to maintain the team’s strong presence in Portsmouth’s sporting scene. The sense of tradition, pride, and community keeps the club alive, even when numbers fluctuate. The arrival of new naval recruits, such as Ben, Oscar, Rob and Alfie, provides a much-needed boost to morale and competition, showcasing the club’s resilience and capacity to rebuild to the backdrop of the incentives to join highly desirable and successful Hampshire clubs. 
 

A True Community Team 
 
Despite its naval foundation, United Services Portsmouth RFC is far more than just a military team. It serves as a true community club at the heart of Portsmouth. The club opens its doors to local civilians who share a passion for rugby, offering a place for players of all backgrounds and skill levels to develop their game. This inclusivity is what continues to attract players, fostering a family-like atmosphere where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they have military ties. A case in point are the brothers James and Oliver Lilley. The older Lilley is a geologist and Baby Lilley has just finished his master’s degree having previously studied for his bachelors in Portsmouth. Both played through all the age grades with dad Andrew Lilley coaching throughout this time - a real family affair. 
 
The club’s location in the heart of Portsmouth makes it a central part of the city’s sporting life. Training and matchdays at Burnaby Road bring together not just players but also families, friends, and fans from the local area. This community involvement is a crucial part of what makes the club special—it is a place where bonds are formed, both on and off the pitch. 
 
Why Players Join United Services Portsmouth RFC 
 
Joining USP offers a unique experience for aspiring rugby players. The club provides the opportunity to learn from players with naval discipline and leadership, giving a competitive edge to those on the field. For military personnel, it’s a chance to maintain physical fitness, build camaraderie, and continue playing the sport they love, while also engaging with the broader community. 
 
For civilians, the club offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team steeped in tradition while also gaining the chance to play alongside and learn from individuals with a strong military background. The diversity within the team ensures that players of all levels can feel included, find their place, and improve their rugby skills. 
 
Thoughts from the Chair, Capt. Bill Oliphant RN (retd.) 
 
While the club has faced challenges in recent years, the future of United Services Portsmouth RFC is brighter, thanks in no small part to its naval heritage and its community spirit. With new recruits like Ben, Oscar, Rob and Mark, the club continues to blend military ethos with local inclusivity. For those who love rugby and want to be part of a team with deep roots in both the Royal Navy and the Portsmouth community, USP RFC offers an exceptional environment to grow, compete, and belong. 

Images by Keith Woodland