RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

As 2018 begins the Royal Navy Rugby Union are keen to recruit new members to their team of communications volunteers.  An interest in and understanding of rugby is essential as well as good writing skills so if you fancy yourself as a potential sports journalist or would like to develop your written communications then this might be for you.

The Royal Navy Rugby Union exists to enable Service men and women to take part in the great sport of Rugby.  The Union supports 5 representative sides; the Senior XV, the Women, the Mariners (the Veterans), the Under 23s and a Sevens team, the Sharks, in addition to running a full programme of grass roots rugby and a varied programme of community rugby for Ships, Royal Marine Units and Establishments to compete in.

Part of our commitment to Navy Rugby is to advertise and communicate what we do, with the aim of encouraging new participants and also to keep all of our members and supporters up to date about our activities.  This requires a loyal team of individuals to attend matches and write reports to keep everyone informed.  We are also keen to share information on all the activities that the Royal Navy Rugby Union participates in, such as our Annual General Meeting, overseas tours and wider engagement overseas, charity events etc.

The rugby season starts in the Autumn with the Under 23 Inter Service season which culminates before Christmas before the busy Spring term where the Senior XV, the Women and the Mariners all take to the field for their Inter Service competitions.  Overlaid on this are the community competitions, the Inverdale Challenge - the Inter Command competition, and the Navy Cup to which all ships, units and establishments are welcome to enter a team.  And of course, over the summer months the attention turns to the Sevens' Tournaments.  Matches are usually played in the main Naval Base regions of Portsmouth, Plymouth and Yeovilton on a Wednesday evening.  Occasionally they take place on other week days or at the weekend, especially the Sevens' tournaments which the team travel to across the south coast.

So if you have a few hours to spare and enjoy watching rugby matches and would be keen to get more involved then perhaps volunteering to join the Communications Team is for you.  The work does not attract financial recompense however refreshments and travelling expenses can be covered and full training and support will be provided.

This is a great way to be part of the team, meet new people and enjoy the fabulous game of rugby. If you think you might be interested in finding out more please contact the Director of Communications, Commander Sarah Oakley, by emailing docrnru@navyrugbyunion.co.uk  Volunteers are particularly sought in the Plymouth area, Service and civilian volunteers are all welcome.

Opportunities also exist for new volunteers to join the RNRU team in whatever capacity you choose, so if you want to take up a new sport, are returning to rugby, or think it is time to hang up your boots but would like to stay involved and develop your skills as a coach, referee or team manager then do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@navyrugbyunion.co.uk explaining how you would like to get involved in order that your email can be passed on to the appropriate area of the organisation.  There is no time like the present so email now to find out more. 

Images Royal Navy Rugby Union © John Walton