Barbarians Honour Navy Duo
The Barbarians Football Club is probably the world's most famous rugby club, famed for playing the game according to its founding principles. For over 120 years their famous hooped shirt has been worn by some of the world's greatest players, whilst some of their matches against the likes of the All Blacks are part of rugby folklore. For most Servicemen the annual Combined Services v Barbarians Remembrance Match forms the highlight of their playing career. However, for some their performances in this match leads to the coveted invitation to play for the 'BaaBaas' themselves.
On Tuesday night Navy Captain, POAET Dave Pascoe (771NAS, RNAS Culdrose) and Vice Captain, Cpl Greg Barden (HMNB Portsmouth) will join the select number of Royal Navy rugby players who have been selected for the Barbarians when they play in the annual Mobbs Memorial match to be held at Bedford RFC. The Mobbs game was first played 90 years ago and is in honour of Lt Col Edgar Mobbs, who being told he was too old to fight in the Great War formed his own regiment nicknamed 'Mobbs Own' which was formed of rugby enthusiasts from Bedfordshire (where Edgar was schooled) and Northamptonshire (where he played his club rugby). Unfortunately, Edgar Mobbs was one of those who failed to return from World War 1, being killed in action during the third battle of Ypres. His name is inscribed on the Menin Gate.
Navy Rugby wishes Dave and Greg all the best and hope they enjoy their break from the preparations for the Army v Navy game on Saturday 7 May.
From the Barbarian FC website: www.barbarianfc.co.uk
BUSY WEEK CONTINUES AT BEDFORD
Fresh from helping Richmond celebrate their 150th anniversary season, the Barbarians move on to Bedford for the 84th Mobbs Memorial Match on Tuesday 19 April (kick-off 7.45pm).
Nick Mallett will again be in charge of the 22-man squad which is almost all-change from the victory over Richmond.
Only three players - wing Charlie Ingall, prop Richard Barrington and back-rower Ben Maidment - continue in the squad for a second-time.
Among the new faces are three players who impressed for Richmond against the Barbarians - wing Jonan Boto, fly-half Ross Broadfoot and club skipper Tom George - while the Welsh clubs are well-represented with a total of six, including five new Barbarians, from Neath, Llanelli and Cardiff.
The Barbarians have also recognised players who have represented the Combined Services in recent Remembrance Matches with invitations to Dave Pascoe and Greg Barden of the Royal Navy.
Barbarians Squad:
Backs - James Loxton (Cardiff Blues), David Doherty (Jersey), Jonan Boto (Richmond), Ayoola Erinle (England), Tommy Bell (Sale Sharks), Charlie Ingall (Tynedale & Newcastle Falcons), Gareth McCarthy (Neath), Ross Broadfoot (Richmond), Dave Pascoe (Royal Navy), Kieran Campbell (Dungannon & Ireland)
Forwards - Neil Fowkes (Nottingham), Richard Barrington (Hartpury College), Ross Davies (Neath), Craig Hawkins (Llanelli), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), Euros Evans (Neath), Adam Powell (Llanelli), Tom Bason (Blackheath), Tom George (Richmond), Ben Maidment (Cambridge University & Moseley), Greg Barden (Royal Navy), Stan McKeen (Oxford University & Canada)