It's All About the Team

When AB(Sea) Will Cairns, HMS St Albans, was named as Navy Rugby's U23 captain he was well aware of the task ahead and also the responsibility he held to continue with the squad's ethos of Team First. Only 12 months agos Will had been one of ten new caps who had competed for, and won, the 2007 U23 Inter Service Championship. As 2008 Captain he was charged with leading sixteen new caps in the defence of the title with the knowledge that it is always harder to retain a championship that win it in the first place. It cannot be emphasised enough how great an achievement the integration of so many new players into the Navy Rugby family is. It has been achieved primarily through the environment that has been set off the field by the U23 Support Staff, led by Chairman Cdr Iain Whyte RN. His example and that of the team management, coaching staff and medical support staff has set the framework within which Will, and before him Cowboy John (Navy U23 captain 2007), have worked to lead an ever changing group of players whose common traits have been embedded in team work and sellflessness. Together they are all providing a foundation for Navy Rugby that bodes well for the future. Will Cairn's will be again leading the team when they take on the Army U23 side at Aldershot on Saturday 6 December for the title decider. However before then he will be ensuring that his group of players continue to apply themselves in training and challenge each other to become better players. He knows that once again the training is not only about the team of today but ensuring that those in the wider squad become immersed in the values of Navy Rugby to ensure that they are become and are recognised as a strongly knit team in the future. All at Navy Rugby wish WIll the very best during the week and against the Army U23.