Ben Priddey Inducted into the PTI Hall of Fame
LPT Ben Priddey joined the Royal Navy in 2006 as a Naval Airman. First serving at RNAS CULDROSE (HMS Seahawk) and embarked in HMS OCEAN and RFA ARGUS, he realised his ambition to join the Physical Training specialisation in 2016.
Following his initial assignment to CULDROSE, he deployed in HMS MONTROSE with tours to the Middle East on Op KIPION. He has since returned to Cornwall to continue his PTI career at RNAS CULDROSE.
First representing the Royal Navy Rugby Union in 2007, LPT Priddey became the second most capped player of all time in 2022 when he gained his 34th Senior Men’s cap in a closely contested defeat to the Army at Twickenham. A free-scoring hooker, he remains the only Royal Navy Rugby Union player to have ever scored a hat-trick of tries against the Army (2014).
From then until now he has achieved a significant amount in the navy-blue shirt: in 2016, as skipper, he lifted the IS trophy and the following year led Navy Rugby out onto the hallowed turf for the 100th match. LPT Priddey was awarded the Cossack Sword in 2011, an honour voted for by teammates for ‘ground gained and held’ and presented at the end of each season to the player whose battling qualities evoked the spirit of the ‘Cossack Warrior’.
Outside of his Navy Rugby commitments he represented the UK Armed Forces team on 8 occasions, which included the International Defence Rugby Cup in Japan which coincided with the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Closer to home he was also an integral part of the Cornwall County team, helping them to County Championship success in 2022.
At the grassroots level, he has coached the RNAS Culdrose rugby team to repeated Navy Cup glory, while in his own time he provides a Strength and Conditioning service to his local rugby club, Camborne RFC. It should come as no surprise that when it was discovered he was available he was called up to assist with the RNRU u23s as the forwards’ coach. The team went on to lift the IS trophy after dominating the RAF and the Army.
The Naval Core Values are in essence the same as those of the RFU: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. LPT Priddey has consistently displayed these attributes in all that he does, both on and off the pitch. Without fail, he leads; without hesitation, he supports; and with his words and deeds, he encourages others to fulfil their potential. He is most deserving of recognition into the Physical Training Specialisation Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Pridds!