On the Centenary of the end of WW1, it was most appropriate this match was played in perfect conditions for running rugby, the pitch looked magnificent on a dry, calm and unseasonably warm evening. Five experienced RN players were included in the United Kingdom Armed Forces match day squad for this prestigious fixture. Starting were Jarrard Hayler, Dave Fairbrother, Gareth Rees and Nathan Huntley forming the spine of a strong Armed Forces team, Jonathan Humphrey was on the bench. Bristol Bears A was made up of Academy players supplemented with several local players, RN rugby legend Bob Armstrong was in the crowd watching his son Jake prop for Bristol Bears A. Bristol kicke...
Royal Navy Rugby Union Under 23s began the defence of their Inter-Service Championship with a tense, narrow win against a well-drilled Royal Air Force Under 23 team.
The Royal Navy hosted the RAF at Burnaby Road on Wednesday. A mild, dry evening promised a free-flowing game of competitive rugby and we were not disappointed. The RAF U23s, kicking off, started brightly, showing their desire with some solid running from the forward pack and some quick handling from the backline. They put together several phases and initially had the RN U23 on the back foot. Their set play was solid, demonstrated by an early steal from a RN U23 line out. &nbs...
A stalwart of the Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s team, Petty Officer Sam Alderson has been rewarded for her 10-year commitment to Royal Navy Rugby through the award of Royal Navy Sportswoman of the Year 2018.
Sam Alderson joined the Royal Navy in 2008. Being a keen sportswoman, she attended a rugby grass roots session while under training at HMS Collingwood and has been hooked on rugby ever since.
She first represented the Royal Navy in the then newly formed Women’s Rugby League team, playing in the first game and first Inter-Service competition in 2008. Her talents shone early and she was selected for the Royal Navy Rugby Unio...
The Royal Navy Rugby Union Value the Volunteer award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to rugby within the Union or one of its Clubs. Volunteers remain key to the delivery of rugby union within the RNRU; the Value the Volunteer award allows the Union to formally show appreciation for the efforts of some of these people.
At the AGM on 14 th November, four individuals were presented with a Value the Volunteer award by the RNRU President, VAdm Ben Key CBE.
WO Paul “George” Hillan - for his contribution to Navy Rugby over 27 years in both the Representative and Community areas.
CPO(SEA) Phillip...
It has been a tougher build-up this year than any for the Royal Navy Rugby Union Under 23s ahead of their first Inter Service match against the RAF on Wednesday. The Training Support Group (TSG) and players alike are hoping that the high quality opposition they have encountered through September and October will have prepared them well for their 4th Inter-Service title. Without several players that have gone on to represent Senior Navy Rugby, the TSG has concentrated trying to create whole team performances. These plans major on continuity and discipline without the reliance on individual ‘superstars’. Head Coach, CPOAET John Court stated, “We have purposefully p...
