RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

With Greg Loydall’s U23 side having already secured the Inter Service trophy following wins in the first two rounds of the U23 Inter Service Championship it was left to another Navy team, this time of referees, to oversee the final match between the Army and the RAF.  Andy Coles was in the middle supported by Assistant Referees, Stephen Woolley and Wolfie Power with Tim Bailey and Nigel Brunning ensuring the technical areas were well managed.

Andy Coles refereed a match where the Army were able to secure second place in the championship with a 21-7 victory over the Royal Air Force.  All the teams will see a number of the players progress to their respective Senior squads but the players will also be hoping to have caught the eye of the UK Armed Forces coaching staff with a view to selection for the annual match against the combined Cambridge and Oxford University side held before the Army Navy match at Twickenham.  UK Armed Forces Director of Rugby, Ian Wilkins, has named the Royal Navy’s Billy May as head coach and he will have plenty of talent to choose from after one of the best Inter Services in recent memory.

The Army v Navy match is on Saturday 30th April 2016 at 15:00 with UKAF U23 XV v Oxbridge University at 12:00.  Tickets for the 2016 Army v Navy match to be held at Twickenham Stadium are on sale now and selling fast.

Images by Alligin Photography / © John Walton