RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

Our players live a life less ordinary and there is more to them than just rugby.

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Chief Petty Officer Billi Staite

Chief Petty Officer Billi Staite joined the Royal Navy in 2002 as an Air Engineering Technician, providing vital engineering support to the Commando Helicopter Force which saw her deploy to destinations including Afghanistan, USA and Norway.

In 2017 she retrained as a Biomedical Scientist and is now one of 17 amongst the entire of defence. In her current role she provides testing and analysis to Defence Medical Services and support to operations as well as the NHS.

Billi was first capped by the RNRU in 2017 and she hopes to take her cap total into the double digits this season. A prolific winger for Cheltenham Tigers she was part of the Worcester Warriors Women squad before the Covid 19 pandemic.

Leading Air Engineering Technician Abi Sondack

Originally from Enfield, London, Leading Air Engineering Technician Abi Sondack joined the Royal Navy in 2015 as an Air Engineering Technician. She has served on HMS Ocean, 824 Squadron, 846 Squadron and has recently left HMS Queen Elizabeth.

A second row who is currently playing for Old Abanians in the Championship, Abi was first capped by the Royal Navy Rugby Union in 2018 against the Marine Nationale and currently has 5 caps.

Lieutenant Olivia Critchley-Peddle

Olivia Critchley-Peddle joined the Royal Navy as an engineering graduate and trained as an Air Engineer Officer. Having worked as on a Wildcat Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton she has now moved to Defence Equipment & Support where she is the Wildcat Helicopter Safety Manager.

Olivia has excelled in both Rugby League and Rugby Union gaining UK Armed Forces Caps in both codes. Most comfortable as a scrum half she has played there for the Royal Navy as well as Premier 15s sides Harlequins and Bristol Bears. Currently she is playing in the Championship for Bath RFC.

Sub Lieutenant Rhian Perry

Sub Lieutenant Rhian Perry is an Air Traffic Controller who is currently based in Cornwall at HMS Seahawk. Her role is key to the safe movement of aircraft on the runway and in the skies.

Joining the Royal Navy in 2019 she is yet to earn her first Royal Navy cap but that could change this weekend against Marine Nationale where she hopes to wear the number 9 jersey. Rhian hails from South West Wales and has developed her rugby craft at The Ospreys, Swansea RFC and Swansea University.

Leading Physical Trainer Suz Badger

Suz Badger initially joined the Royal Navy in 2012 as a Medical Assistant but was so passionate about sport and fitness that she transferred to become a Physical Training Instructor in 2016. She joined HMS Duncan as it's Leading Physical Trainer and this draft included a deployment to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (and was featured on Channel 5's Warship Life at Sea Series).

Since leaving HMS Duncan Suz has specialised in rehabiliataion of injured service personnel and went on to deploy again on HMS Queen Elizabeth.

A talented Sportswoman, Suz has represented UK Armed Forces in Football and Rugby League and is hoping to make her first RNRU capped appearance this week at centre.