Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior Men’s Tour to the USA

In lieu of the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup, the Royal Navy Rugby Union (RNRU) Senior Men’s team embarked on their first overseas tour since 2018, travelling to the United States for a two-week visit. The tour featured a blend of capped players and emerging talent, with fixtures against the US Naval Academy (USNA) and the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The squad convened at HMS Temeraire for a pre-tour briefing before departing from Heathrow, where Virgin Atlantic staff ensured a seamless journey, including VIP treatment upon arrival at Washington Dulles. The team’s initial base was Quantico Marine Corps Base, where they acclimatised and trained in preparation for the challenges ahead. The players were warmly hosted and had the opportunity to explore the local area, balancing hard work on the pitch with cultural experiences.

The first fixture against the USNA at the Prusmack Rugby Complex in Annapolis proved a stern test. Under the guidance of Head Coach Gavin Hickie, USNA has developed an impressive collegiate rugby programme, and their well-drilled squad showcased the benefits of their four-year training and education system. Played in temperatures exceeding 25°C, the match was divided into 20-minute periods to accommodate the conditions and ensure all players gained valuable game time. Despite the RNRU’s dominance in the scrum, challenges in securing clean line-out ball and a fast, tireless USNA defence resulted in a 29 - 7 victory for the hosts. Post-match, the teams exchanged gifts and enjoyed excellent hospitality from the USNA Parents Association, fostering camaraderie between the sides.

Following two days of rest and recovery, during which players explored the highlights of the US including Nashville, the team returned to Quantico to prepare for their second fixture against the USMC. Training sessions and team-building activities helped refine their performance, before the squad travelled back to Annapolis for a full day of rugby at Prusmack, culminating in the match. The day featured five games and a display by the Naval Academy Parachute Team creating a festival atmosphere.

The RNRU delivered a much-improved performance in their second outing, benefitting from additional preparation and cohesion. Despite the hot and humid conditions, the team’s scrum dominance, connected defence, and well-executed strike plays secured a convincing 32 - 12 victory, ending the tour on a high note.

The success of the tour was made possible by the support of the USNA Rugby programme, Quantico MCB staff, the British Embassy, the Royal Navy Sports Lottery, and the RN Sport team. This memorable visit not only provided valuable development opportunities for the players but also strengthened ties between the Royal Navy and their US counterparts.

Aims and Objectives
The primary goal of the tour was to prepare the RNRU Senior Men XV for the challenges of the forthcoming rugby season while fostering the development of younger players within the squad. The tour provided an invaluable opportunity for these players to integrate into the senior team, ensuring the squad is well-prepared for the rigours of the Inter-Service competition.

Beyond the sporting objectives, the tour also highlighted the importance of international military relationships. By competing against our US counterparts, the RNRU aims to reinforce the strong ties between the UK and US armed forces, showcasing the values of teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.

The Touring Party
The touring party comprised of 30 players and six members of the Training Support Group (TSG). The squad was a carefully selected mix of experienced players and emerging talent, all of whom have been following the RNRU’s off-season and pre-season strength and conditioning programmes. Players were expected to arrive in peak physical and mental condition, ready to take on the challenges of the tour.

The TSG, led by Tour Manager Sub-Lieutenant Sam Sims, handled all logistical and real-life support functions, ensuring the players could focus entirely on their performance.

A separate word of thanks to Dennis for sharing the cracking photos from both matches – you've absolutely captured the spirit of the game!

Tour Party: Tam Lindsay, Alex Einchcomb, Jack Wright, Rhys Williams, Alex O’Brien, Ben Watson, Dom Cleverley, Dagan Horack, Harry Wright, George Starr, Lewis Roxby, Jarrard Hayler, Ben Mallet, Will Scott, Jay Toogood, Harry Mayes, Jack Davis, Freddy Elliott, Sam Driver, Tom Briggs, John Tyler, Fergus Wood, George Wagstaff, Jack Ryder, Rory O’Brien, Robbie Hume, Dan Palmer.

TSG: Tom Blackburn, John Court, Sam Sims, Dan Hawkins, Mark Fiddock, Chris Mills, Ash Coates.

Images by Dennis Noonan-Sloan