2011 International Defence Rugby Competition Launched
General D.J. Hurley, AC, DSC (Chief of the Defence Force) opened the 2011 International Defence Rugby Competition
In a statement General Hurley said, it is a tremendous way to celebrate the rich history of Rugby Union that exists within many of the world's defence forces. The Australian Defence Force is proud to be hosting this inaugural event in Canberra and Sydney and, in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, in Auckland.
On behalf of the Australian Defence Force I would like to welcome the other participating defence force teams and wish them the best of luck in the competition. I'm sure that some lifelong friendships will be made during your stay in Australia
The Royal Navy View of the Competition
The off season has been a busy period for the Navy senior team as they put the disappointment of defeat at Twickenham behind them and look ahead to the IDFWC in Australia. With new DoR Lt Cdr (Andy) Kellet being deployed in Afghanistan the team will taken to Australia by caretaker DoR CPO (Ash) Coates whom is relishing the opportunity of pitting his wits against some of the best service teams in the World in such a challenging environment.
The touring squad sees some changes from the 2011 Inter-Service squad with the likes of Cpl (Greg) Barden and Mne (Scott) Llewellyn both leaving the Service, PO (Marsh) Cormack being deployed and Logs (CS) (Josh) Drauniniu playing for Worcester Warriors. This has provided theopportunity for exciting prospects S/Lt (Hugo) Mitchell-Heggs (HMNB Clyde), Mne (Ryan) Wells (847 Sqn) and ET (James) Parry (HMS Monmouth) to make the trip. Additionally there are recalls for Logs (CS) (Silivenusi) Buinimasi (RNAS Culdrose), L/S (Kev) McCrossen (HMS Lancaster), NA (AH) (Mikaele) Mua (RNAS Culdrose)
CPO Ash Coates commented ‘The squad has a very exciting balance about it with players who didn't quite make the 2011 Inter Service Squad now having the opportunity to prove themselves in a demanding tournament.' Ash went on to say ‘I feel we have nice blend of experience along with freshness of players being promoted from the U23 squad that will giving us every chance of getting to the final stages of the Tournament.'
Touring Squad:
Lt (Tom) Blackburn RN (HMS Sultan), LPT (Gareth) Cadmore (HMS Raleigh), ET(WE) (Ian) Cooper (HMS Ambush), Cpl (Gareth) Evans (539 ASRM), CPOET(WE) (Wayne) John (HMS Liverpool), AET (Gareth) Jones (RNAS Yeovilton), ET(WE) (Jon) Marlin (HMS Chatham), NA(AH) (Kyle) Mason (845 NAS), Capt (Stu) McLaren RM (DMOC RAF Halton), POAET (Dave) Pascoe (771 NAS), NA(AH) (Ben) Priddey (RNAS Culdrose), AB(WS) (Robbie) Roberts (HMS Bulwark), ET(WE) (Dale) Sleeman (HMS Cumberland), CPOET(WE) (Dane) Smallbone (MWS Collingwood), Cpl (Johnny) Stephen(CTCRM), AB(WS) (Darren) Bamford (HMS Collingwood), Logs(SC) (Manoa) Satala (HMS Iron Duke), Logs(CS) (Silivenusi) Buinimasi, NA(AH) (Mikaele) Mua, NA(AH) (Joji) Quarnuvalu (All RNAS Culdrose), Logs(CS) (Ratu) Kurusasa (HMS Diamond), AET (Jon) Humphreys (RNAS Yeovilton), Capt (Tom) Glover RM (CTCRM), S/Lt (Jovin) Harper RN (RNAS Yeovilton), S/Lt (Hugo) Mitchell-Heggs RN (HMNB Clyde), Mne (Ryan) Wells (847 NAS), Capt (Tom) O'Keeffe RM (HQ 3 Cdo Bde RM), LS (Kev) McCrossen (HMS Lancaster), ET(WE) (James) Parry.
For further Information go to: www.idrc2011.com and follow all the action on Twitter@RNRugby