Launched as part of the two hundred year anniversary celebrations of Trafalgar, established in the fiery, passion of Toulon, a pitched battle for eighty minutes, entente cordial après le match; the Babcock International Challenge returns to Portsmouth with the Royal Navy looking to regain the trophy and the Marine Nationale seeking a first win on British soil whilst the Marine Nationale Feminines look to extend their unbeaten run.
From the first battle between the two Navies in 1340 until the most recent armed conflict in 1940, with bayonets drawn on board a submarine in Devonport, the relationship between the Royal Navy and the French Navy has been complex and at times bloody....
The RNRU is pleased to welcome to the UK the players, coaches and officials of the Rugby club de la Marine Nationale, who have just landed at Heathrow. Bienvenue. We extend a hand of friendship to our French guests and we hope you have an enjoyable time with us in Portsmouth, both on and off the pitch.
We look forward to welcoming the Marine Nationale to Burnaby Road in Portsmouth on 01 Apr 15 for the 11th meeting for the Babcock International Trophy.
01 Apr 15 RN Women will play the Marine Nationale at Burnaby Road – KO 13.45 RN Senior XV will play the Marine Nationale at Burnaby Road – KO 18.00
Come along, it’s free entry and all are welcome.
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A Worcester Cavaliers side, that is likely to feature former Navy winger Josh Drauniniu, will provide the perfect test for the Royal Navy squad just back from their Malta Training Camp. With the first trophy match of the year, against Marine Nationale the following week, the Navy will be looking to put their theories and training plans in to practice against a team that will play the match with a physicality and pace they have yet to meet this season. Ideal preparation for Le Crunch.
The selected side has a familiar feel about it with the exception of Darren Bamford at outside centre. He returns from injury to make his first start of the season in a new partnership with Matt Tichias. ...
A weekend that saw four internationals played between England and France had Royal Navy Rugby involvement in three of them. After the pulsating encounter between England and France at Twickenham, the stadium then hosted the Women’s international. The game brought to a close Helen Richardson’s first Six Nations as England Women’s Team Manager. The HMS Sultan PTI could only look on as a young England side struggled to contain the powerful French pack early on and were always behind on the scoreboard. However a strong last quarter put the French under some serious pressure as they held on for a 21-15 win. The defeat left England in fourth place as they gradually look to re...
Tired bodies and aching limbs are now becoming part of the daily routine, so much so that the local nightlife doesn’t seem quite so appealing. Internal self-help for rubs and extended pool rehab have cured most of the issues and where we have needed a more expert practitioner, the local variety of Chinese Masseuses have been more than willing to help. The squad focus is now firmly on the Marine Nationale and Inter-service outputs, and we are actively engaged in better understanding our own strengths and analysing their weaknesses. The field sessions at the Marsa sports complex continue around the common theme of developing the component parts of the game plan before putting them al...
