Have Yourselves a Navy Rugby Little Christmas

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements of Navy Rugby in 2025, to look ahead to what promises to be an exciting 2026 season and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The highlight of 2025 was the outstanding achievement of the Senior Men’s XV, who were crowned Inter-Service Champions, reclaiming the title through a campaign defined by collective effort across the squad. The performance stands out as a clear demonstration of the standards expected from the TSG headed by Dave Sibson and Dave Pascoe when representing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and a moment of pride for the entire rugby family.

Across the wider Union, 2025 also saw a growing number of Royal Navy players competing at high levels of the domestic game, including the professional and semi-professional tiers of English rugby. I am delighted to report that amongst others 4 Navy Players have turned out for London Scottish in the Championship. These individuals have continued to balance Service commitments with elite performance, reinforcing the strength of Navy Rugby’s player pathway and its ability to develop athletes capable of excelling both in uniform and in civilian competition. Their success reflects positively on the Union and provides inspiration for the next generation of Service players. Strong performances were evident across all squads, including the women’s programme, U23s and Mariners’ teams, each contributing to another competitive Inter-Service campaign. These results were underpinned by the dedication of coaching staff, medical teams, referees, administrators and volunteers, whose commitment remain fundamental to everything the Union achieves.

Despite a demanding operational tempo, our dedicated team of volunteers continues to deliver rugby across the country and overseas, even while deployed. Consider the incredible achievements of HMS Prince of Wales and her escorts during Op Highmast – combining operational duties with gracing rugby fields across the continents. This is what makes Navy Rugby truly unique – we take our sport around the globe and across the nation, playing all year round. Over the summer, the Sharks, Stingrays, and Mako proudly represented Navy Rugby, competing in tournaments from Richmond to North Dorset via Cheltenham, flying the flag for our sport every step of the way.

Another highlight was the Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition which took place in the summer. 8 teams from across the Globe took part, with Navy Rugby players, officials and volunteers prominent in the UKAF team and organising committee. The French team were victorious in the final at Gloucester. It was an outstanding competition, really showcasing the skill and camaraderie of rugby players. Off the field, 2025 has been a year of continued progress. We are delighted to mark a significant partnership with Vodafone, recently announced as our Principal Sponsor. This long-term support will enhance opportunities across Navy Rugby, bringing innovative tools and increased visibility to our teams and supporters.

Looking ahead to 2026, the season will once again feature a full schedule of Inter-Service fixtures across the three representative teams, culminating in the traditional spring championship matches. Key highlights include the Army vs Navy clash at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on 3 May, and the Navy vs RAF match at cinch Stadium, Northampton, on 18 April—perfect events to plan for when considering your Christmas wish list. The 2026 calendar will also include a diverse range of representative fixtures against strong civilian and international Service opposition, providing further opportunities for development, competition and exposure within the wider rugby landscape.

At this time of year, Royal Navy Rugby also acknowledges those who will be serving away from home over the Christmas period. Their professionalism, sacrifice and dedication to duty are deeply appreciated and will not be forgotten. As 2025 draws to a close, Navy Rugby would like to thank all players, staff, volunteers, supporters and families for their continued commitment and support throughout the year. We look forward to building on this success and embracing the challenges and opportunities that 2026 will bring. I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year.

Warmest regards,

Sarah