RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

A New Year, a New Grey Away Kit and New Leadership on the field for the Royal Navy Rugby Union(Women)’s team.  Lt Charlotte ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson (PJHQ, Northwood) has been appointed as the RNRU(W) Captain for the 2016 season and will be ably assisted by POET(WE) Sarah ‘Jenks’ Jenkins (HMS KENT) as the Vice Captain.  The new appointments come ahead of the start of what will be a busy and demanding season for the ladies with their first match against Ivel RFC on 27 January 2016.

When asked about how it felt to be the new Captain of the RNRU(W) Freddie replied, “It's obviously a privilege to be asked to Captain the RNRU(W) this season. It is a role I will relish and one I am looking forward to getting started with.”

Whilst being photographed in the New Grey Away kit onboard HMS VICTORY, Freddie reflected that, “the focus ahead of the formal start of the RN season has been on player recruitment.  With high operational tempo throughout the RN and more games in our schedule we need the players to make it work.  My personal focus has been on playing as much civilian rugby as possible; making sure I am fit and ready to hit the ground running in January”

Looking ahead at what the season holds, Freddie continued that she thinks, “the season will be a good one for the RNRU(W).  We are lucky to have a new training support group, including a new lead coach, which is looking to drive the team forward.  Our season includes a trip to France to play the Marine Nationale, the RAF at home as part of the Inter-Services and Army/Navy Day so it is all to play for.  Having Jenks alongside me as the Vice Captain makes it all a very exciting prospect!”

Jenks was also thrilled to be appointed as Vice Captain, “I am very honoured to be asked to become Vice Captain for the forthcoming season especially after missing last year’s season due to an operation tour; I can’t wait to get the season started.  I agree with Freddie, it is going to be a brilliant season and we are looking, to not only build on our lessons from last season but, to make big improvements on the pitch. Fitness is going to be key in making that step.  Hopefully we can surprise a few people!”

Jenks is currently serving in HMS KENT and her Commanding Officer, Cdr Dan Thomas was keen to applaud her achievement.  “It is an honour to have any member of my Ship’s Company represent the Service at sport and particularly so with PO Jenkins achieving the coveted position of Vice Captain of the Women's Rugby Team.  As a Commanding Officer, I feel it is important that my Ship’s Company can be released to play sport and Sarah is testament to this.  The current tempo within the Fleet makes this more demanding than ever but we can, and must, continue to provide opportunities for our people.  I remain fully supportive of Time for Sport and not Time off for Sport."

So the season is exciting for the RNRU(W) with it culminating in the Inter Service match against the Army at Kneller Hall ahead of the Seniors match at Twickenham on 30 April 2015.  Tickets for the Twickenham match are available at navyrugbyunion.co.uk/tickets, but why not come along and support the ladies beforehand.

Click to view RN Women fixtures
The new grey away shirt is available to purchase now.  Click here to visit the official Royal Navy Rugby Union shop.
Follow the RN Rugby Union teams on Twitter @RNRugby.

Article written by LtCdr David Martin RN - RNRU(W) Comms
Images Royal Navy Rugby Union / © LtCdr David Martin