RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

If you wish to be one of those that gets off the bus at Twickenham in May then at some stage you need to get on the bus.  So the announcement of the Inter Service squad for 2020 gives thirty two players the opportunity to press their cases to make the match day twenty three for the three capped matches; against Marine Nationale on 18^th March, the Royal Air Force a month later on the 18^th April and culminating with the103^rd Army v Navy match, at Twickenham, on the 2^nd May 2020.  Dave Pascoe has retained Scott Makepeace as captain and selected fourteen uncapped players in his squad, the new players predominantly being chosen on the basis of form displayed for their Command sides in the recent Inverdale Trophy.

The 2020 season will be Scott Makepeace’s fourth Inter Service campaign and his second as captain, having been given the honour midway through last season.  This extra experience is sure to count as he seeks to be the 19^th Royal Navy captain to lift the Inter Service trophy and secure the Navy’s 21^st title in the competition’s Centenary season.

With the loss of the influential flanker Jarrard Hayler, due to professional career courses, Makepeace will be pleased to have the returning experience of Dave Fairbrother in the backrow although would probably have preferred not to have also lost last season’s flyhalf, Greg Lloydall, to long term injury.  Lloydall’s loss of experience is perhaps overcome, unusually, by one of the new caps.  Though Henry Hughes is yet to win the coveted Royal Navy cap he certainly has big match and Twickenham experience.  His 5 Blues, for Oxford University, included 4 on the winning side and he will certainly add some interesting competition to Dave Pascoe’s midfield options.

Following the Royal Marines success, at Command level, it is no surprise to see them making up over a third of the squad with 30 Cdo RM being well represented with four players.  The Corps also provide much of the experience with Nathan Huntley and Seta Raumakita both being involved with the Senior XV since 2012 and with Dave Fairbrother since 2014.  Another who started his Senior XV journey in 2014 was Toots Vakalutukali and his lack of caps, only 5, betrays the quality and experience he brings to the team.  Last season was probably his most influential and if he can build on that this year then he will surely be one of the hottest properties in the Royal Navy’s backrow.

The backrow will be an interesting mix and may well depend on how other players mature into their new role.  With Ben Watson gaining in stature each season and last season’s new caps, Declan Johnson and John Kirwan also developing then the back five has a number of intriguing permutations particularly if you consider Edd Pascoe as both a lock and a blindside option.  The Royal Navy’s chances can only be increased by a healthy challenge for places and with perhaps the threat of international hooker, Sam Matavesi, moving forward then even the ‘father of the squad’, Ben Priddey may need to ensure he ‘does the extras’.  Though to be fair to Ben he has started this season in a rich vein of form suggesting he is in the mood to win his 32^nd cap.  And, just in case Sam and Ben do become complacent, they shouldn’t under estimate the determination of the squad’s second International, Liam Williams.  Through rugby with the Phillipines, he is quickly understanding the requirements of big match rugby and continues to develop as a very competent hooker.

Last season followers of Navy Rugby enjoyed watching the duel at flyhalf between Greg Loydall and Nathan Huntley.  The competition certainly brought out the best of both players as they helped each other achieve new levels of performance.  As mentioned earlier, a long term injury to Greg prevents the competition continuing this year.  But in case Nathan feels that his position is safe, Pascoe, who understands the role as well as anyone in the Navy, has selected three others to keep the pressure on.  Though all uncapped it is evident that Jake Hanley, Jordan Gott and Dan Rutter, are all talented footballers.

Following on from his man of the match performance when the U23XV beat the Army this season, it could be said that Hanley is the Diamond in the pack but that would do both Gott and Rutter a disservice.  Jordan Gott is a product of the London Irish academy and has returned to London Irish this season following a spell with Plymouth Albion.  Similarly, Dan Rutter has experienced success through the Cornwall county age grades, as well as representing the South West at U20 level.  It looks like Nathan has another season of stiff competition ahead.  Though being the competitor, he is, Huntley will back his chances of winning his 24^th cap.

Dave Pascoe has put together an exciting squad with a good blend of experience and youngsters who will all be keen to make this season a successful one.  Prior to the first capped challenge, away in France, the team will have two excellent opportunities to bed down their processes.  First up, on Wednesday night will be Exeter Braves at Sandy Park.  Exeter Chiefs are the success story of the Gallagher Premiership and are firmly built on strong foundations where they remain an active contributor to the local community, including CTCRM Lympstone.  They also have a well run and extensive academy system which continues to provide the Exeter Braves team with exciting talent destined to play Premiership, and International, rugby.  They will provide a stern examination of the Navy’s credentials.  Last season an interception try, from Navy wing, Eldon Myers, gave the Royal Navy the belief to sneak a 22-21 win which is sure to galvanise the Exeter Braves for this season’s match.  Myers is currently impressing the no nonsense followers of the League code, during trials with Hull FC.  As I said it looks as if it is going to be an exciting season.

Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior XV Inter Service Squad 2020:  AB(Sea) Kai Allton – HMS Montrose; Mne Kai Baker – 30 Cdo RM; SLt RN Scott Bentley – HMS Albion; LAET Sam Carter – RNAS Culdrose; LAET Ben Chambers * - HMS Sultan; ET(ME) Dom Cleverley – HMS Albion; Mne Craig Duncan * - 30 Cdo RM; Cpl David Fairbrother * - CTC RM; LCpl Troy Gobey – 30 Cdo RM; AET Jordan Gott – RNAS Culdrose; AB Jake Hanley – HMS Diamond; Surg Lt RN Henry Hughes – INM; Mne Nathan Huntley * - 30 Cdo RM; ETME Richard Ives – HMS Forth; AET Brad Janes * - RNAS Culdrose; SLt RN Declan Johnson * - RNAS Yeovilton; LS(HM) John Kirwan * - Fleet – HM; AET Scott Makepeace * (Captain) – RNAS Yeovilton; AB Sam Matavesi * + - RNAS Culdrose; LPT Eldon Myers * - HMS Neptune; LCpl Edd Pascoe * - RMB Plymouth; Mne Toby Papp – CLR RM; Mne Alex Peterson – 40 Cdo RM; LPT Ben Priddey * - HMS Northumberland; Mne Setareki Raumakita * - 42 Cdo RM; AB Gareth Rees * - MCM2; AET Dan Rutter – RNAS Culdrose; SLt RN Mitchell Spencer – HMS Sultan; Mne Ratu Watisoni Vakalutukali * - CLR RM; NA(AH) Ben Watson * - HMS Queen Elizabeth

* - Royal Navy Capped Player
+ - International Player

Next match:  Exeter Braves v Royal Navy Senior XV, Wednesday 4 March 2020, Sandy Park, Exeter.  KO: 19:30

By line: Geraint Ashton Jones
Images credit: © Alligin Photography