HMS Iron Duke hosted the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup as she sailed into Cape Town, South Africa earlier this month. On its fifth leg of the Rugby World Cup tour, the Webb Ellis Trophy was brought onboard as the ship made its way into its berth at the V&A Waterfront. Accompanied by a team of handlers and former England Rugby 7’s Captain Ollie Phillips, the ship provided an interesting backdrop for the trophy; unfortunately the magnificent sight of Table Mountain was blocked by dark skies and heavy cloud. The ship marked its arrival in Cape Town with a 21 gun salute, with the guns on Signal Hill making their reply, much to the delight of the residents of Cape Town. D...
The Sharks were forced in to a number of changes for the Harpenden Sevens and this was clearly evident in the opening match against Pink Socks. The Sharks were clearly the better side but will have been disappointed with much of their play as they allowed the match to become far too scrappy. However from the moment Tristan Trehan opened the scoring for the Sharks there was only going to be one winner. Further first half tries by Marika Tuinabunawa and two from Jordan Shuttleworth meant that the Sharks reached half time with a 24-0 lead. Scrappy play allowed the Pink Socks on the scoreboard before Calum Cone and Jordan’s hat trick try reaffirmed the Sharks su...
June’s inter unit Royal Navy Rugby Union Seven’s competition seems a long time ago. However the Weymouth event brought three Royal Marine players representative recognition and a fruitful summer of rugby, which culminates at the 49th Harpenden National Pub Sevens this Sunday. Having caught Royal Navy Sharks coach, Billy May’s eye, Lewis Cooper, Tony Pitts and Marcus Stevens have cemented their places in the Sharks’ squad and will be looking to finish their sevens season in style. It once more confirms that if players produce the required performances for their Unit or Command side, then they will earn the opportunity in the representative jersey.
At Harpenden t...
On Sunday 10 August 2014 Royal Navy Rugby Union lost one of it’s former internationals when James Colman Murphy O’Connor passed away aged 89. The former Navy telegraphist won his solidary cap playing at Number 8 for the Royal Navy against the Royal Air Force in 1948. A game sadly lost 16-11 despite Murphy O’Connors conversion and penalty goal. For those who follow Irish rugby James Murphy O’Connor will probably be best remembered for his performances for Bective Rangers and Leinster. Performances that brought him to the attention of the Irish International selectors in 1954 when he returned to Twickenham to win his first, and only Irish cap. For many, particular...
Royal Navy Referees Andy Coles and Steve Woolley have been selected to join fellow Royal Navy Rugby Referee, Tim Bailey, as part of the Rugby Football Union’s National Panel of Assistant Referees. The promotions will see them officiating in National Leagues 1 and 2 of the RFU league. The promotion confirms the Royal Navy Rugby Union Referee’s Society pedigree in terms of producing officials for national honours. Both Andy and Steve will now be setting their sights on joining other Society members, Paul Burton and Roger Baileff, who are part of the Professional Game Match Officials list that officiate games in the Premiership and the Championship.
Steve Wo...
