Walking Rugby Match Bridges Generations

Female sailors from across generations came together for a heartwarming walking rugby match at HMS Temeraire. The event organised between the RNRU and Association of Women’s Royal Naval Service (AoW), focused on connection rather than competition, ended with an informal post-match gathering highlighting the lasting bond of service between sailors past and present.

On Wednesday, a heartwarming celebration of camaraderie and sport occurred between the RNRU(W) and the AoW, coming together for a lively walking rugby match.

The friendly game, held at HMS Temeraire, brought together generations of female sailors, from seasoned veterans of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) to the newest recruits of the Royal Navy. The event was less about competition and more about connection, with walking rugby providing the perfect pace to foster teamwork, laughter, and shared stories.

The RNRU(W) head coach, Sarah Jenkins, said "What better way to unite past and present female sailors than engaging in a game of walking rugby amidst the radiant South Coast sunshine? The AoW truly immersed themselves in the game and demonstrated their skills and determination, a fantastic day for all involved."

Members of the Wrens Associate echoed the sentiment. Andrea Wrigley, who served in the WRNS in the early 1980s, said “It’s fair to say the AoW approached the game with some trepidation. None of us had ever played rugby, and a percentage had not played any sport for several decades, but there was no way we were going to miss the chance to build connections between current and previously serving women. We wanted to prove we had a lot in common, despite the differences in ages and service history. The afternoon provided an opportunity to build a relationship with current serving women and to enhance understanding between the two groups by having great fun and experiencing a lot of shared laughter. A sense of camaraderie was built through a mutual respect of inclusion and diversity, but there were a lot of aching muscles the next morning.”

The event concluded with a post-match gathering, complete with tea, cake, and plenty of photo opportunities — capturing a day that seamlessly blended history, heritage, and the enduring bond of service.

With smiles all around, the match was hailed as a shining example of unity across generations — proving that once a sailor, always a sailor, whether sprinting, marching, or walking across a rugby field.

Images by Keith Woodland