Logs 'Charlie' Lewis Selected for Scotland
Logs Charlotte 'Charlie' Lewis is set to open another chapter in Royal Navy Rugby illustrious history by becoming the Navy's first women International player as she represents Scotland in their match against Spain to be held in Madrid on Mon 3 Jan 11.
The opponents add a touch of irony to the fixture as Charlie has only recent returned from a posting to Gibraltar. During this period Charlie was supported with her training by local club Gibraltar RFC. The cross border rivalry is as fierce as ever so many in Gibraltar would raise a glass to Charlie and a Scottish victory.
A member of the RN(W) team Charlie has worked hard for her success and is hoping that a good performance in this match will provide a spring board for her to be selected within Scotland's 6 Nations squad. Charlie said of her selected "Being selected to play for Scotland at a sport that I love is amazing. However, I still have a huge mountain to climb before I can progress further and hope to be selected in the 6 nation's squad"
As with all sporting success in the Navy it has been made possible by the understanding of her command, mess mates and work colleagues who have covered for her when she has attended training camps or games. Thanks must also go to CPO Sullivan in Gibraltar who has proved to be most supportive of Charlie's sporting ambitions. Also supporting Charlie has been her new Naval Base in Portsmouth as Waterfront manning, Lt Shaves has delayed Charlie's joining date until after the match.
From a Navy Rugby perspective having players reach the international level has so often proved to be the catalyst for others to improve their on-field performances. It is no coincidence that the Navy's men's team achieved Inter Service success shortly after Musician ‘Spencer' Brown was capped for England and again later when Logs Josh Drauniniu and Cpl Greg Barden achieved international 7's success in England colours.
Certainly RN(W) Head Coach, Lt Sam Cuff RN, will be hoping that Charlie provides an inspirational impetus for the team to build on last season's success. Commenting on Charlie's achievement he said "We are extremely pleased for Charlie, it sets a great example to all the other girls, that with the commitment and effort that Charlie puts in on a daily bases, they too could achieve recognition at this level. She will provide a huge boost to the squad when it comes to Inter-Services. Everyone in RN(W) are wishing Charlie every success with the Scotland squad, the game against Spain and we hope there are many more International games to come."
Hopefully it will prove to be a rewarding and successful week for Charlie. She is sure to find International rugby a step up in terms of physicality and intensity to anything which she has experienced before. This should prove ideal preparation for the 10-11 of Jan when she will be undergoing her Physical Training Instructors aptitude test at HMS Temeraire.
All involved with Navy Rugby wish her the very best, both in Madrid and in the gym at Temeraire.