Ruthless Royal Navy Start their Title Defence in Style

The Royal Navy Senior Men began their Inter Service title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating the Royal Air Force 47 – 16 at cinch Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton. It was a commanding performance that extended the Navy’s unbeaten run against the RAF since 2018 and set the tone for their campaign.

Arriving in Northampton with a point to prove after a last‑minute coaching change, new head coach Ben Priddey led the Senior Service into battle with determination. The RAF struck first through a penalty from captain Mark Williams, but the Navy responded immediately. Jake Hanley dived over for the opening try and converted his own score to give the Navy a 7–3 lead. Scrum‑half Will Rigelsford soon added another, before Ben Chambers finished off a flowing move to secure a third try. With the RAF limited to penalties, the Navy went into half‑time 21–6 ahead.

The second half brought renewed energy from the RAF, with Will Llewellyn weaving through the defence to score their first try. Yet the Navy’s response was swift and decisive. Hooker Sam Matavesi, back on familiar ground at Franklin’s Gardens, powered over from a lineout maul, then repeated the feat less than ten minutes later to put the contest beyond reach. The RAF battled hard, with Josh Peacock adding a second try, but Williams missed the conversion and the gap remained wide.

From there, the Navy pressed home their advantage. Substitute George Edson crossed for the sixth try, before number eight Ratu Vakalutukali added a seventh to seal the victory. The final whistle confirmed a 47–16 triumph, sparking celebrations among the 2,828 supporters in attendance. Tighthead prop Ben Watson was named Player of the Match, while captain Jarrard Hayler lifted the trophy as the squad joined together in a powerful rendition of The Last Shanty, a show of pride and unity.

The result was a statement of intent: ruthless finishing, strong set‑piece foundations, and defensive resilience all combined to deliver a performance worthy of champions. With their focus now turning to Twickenham on 2 May, the Navy will face their fiercest rivals, the British Army, in a fixture that could decide the destiny of the Inter Service title. Meanwhile, the RAF will regroup and look to bounce back against the Army at Kingsholm in mid‑May.

For the Senior Service, Northampton was more than just a win—it was proof that despite changes and challenges, they remain a side built to defend their crown.

Senior Men: T Lindsay, S Matavesi, B Watson; D Johnson, E Pascoe; B Mallett, J Hayler (C), R Vakalutukali, W Rigelsford, J Hanley, F Elliott, J Bartlett, M Wacokecoke, B Chambers (VC), C Duncan.

Replacements: J Wright, K Beasley, D Cleverley, M Scott, C Mills, D Rutter, G Edson, B Raivalitia.

Words by SoCo

Images by Cinnabar Studios