When the Royal New Zealand Navy hosts their second Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup, and the inaugural Four Nations Maritime Cup, there will be two certainties. The first is that the US Marine Corps, the Royal Australian Navy and our Royal Navy touring party will be afforded the warmest of welcomes. Off the pitch this will start with the traditional Maori welcome of Pohiri with guests and hosts joining as one. Whilst on the pitch the Pohiri’s Wero (or challenge) will be replaced by the Kiwi’s performing their RNZN Haka to lay down a familiar but still very powerful challenge to the opposition. And it is through these proud cultural and sporting routes tha...
2012 was the centenary season of the Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union team. It coincided with their hosting of the Commonwealth Cup for the second time. However it also came at a time when their form was waning. Having won the Inter Service title in 2011 and so nearly wrestled the Shelford/Stokes trophy from New Zealand, 2012 was an anniversary year that didn’t go to plan. The Army edged the Breakers to win the Australian IS title and in the Commonwealth Cup they fell short in both their games.
2013 was a rebuilding year and once more they finished runners up to the Army at the annual Inter Services championship. However with improved structures in...
Before I start the Chairman’s annual message I would just like to pay homage to the outgoing U23 Chairman, Lt Cdr Phil England. A stalwart and loyal supporter of grass roots rugby, he has nurtured and mentored the TSG through some extremely impressive performances over the last few years, supported by characters like Taff Wilcock, Scott Ashley and the irrepressible Billy May. Not a bad record, I think you will agree, given that his day job has frequently ‘ripped’ him out of the UK, often a short notice! Thank you Phil, we only hope we can emulate your success in the forthcoming season. As I write, from the confines of MOD Main Building, the U23 squad ...
Terms of Reference for the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC 2015) 2015 Tournament Director (TD)
Information 1. The International Defence Rugby Competition is a tournament that runs parallel to the Rugby World Cup. First competed for in Australia (2011), the Tournament will now take place in UK in 2015 based around 3 locations (RAF. Halton, the British Army Garrison in Aldershot and HM Naval Base Portsmouth).
2. The Tournament will consist of 9 invited Nations (Military Combined Service. Teams) plus the 3 “home teams” with each home team hosting a 4 team competition in their respective area before the semi final and final moves to the London area. The home...
