Service, Pride and Rivalry: Inter Service Rugby Returns for 2026/27

Four competitions. Three Services. One Championship.

The Babcock Inter Service Rugby Championship will return for the 2026/27 season, bringing together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force for another year of fiercely competitive Service rugby.

The new season will feature four competitions – U23, Masters, Senior Women and Senior Men – with fixtures taking place at venues across the country, including Franklin’s Gardens, Allianz Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park and Kingsholm Stadium.

The action begins on 18 November 2026 with the opening U23 fixtures, before the Championship builds towards the Masters and showpiece Senior Women’s and Men’s matches in spring 2027.

Commodore Sarah Oakley, Chair of the Inter Service Steering Group, said: “The Babcock Inter Service Rugby Championship is about far more than the results on the pitch. It brings together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force through a shared passion for rugby, while giving our players the opportunity to represent their Service with enormous pride.

“Across every level of the Championship, we continue to see the standard rise, and the 2026/27 season promises another series of fiercely competitive matches and memorable occasions for players and supporters alike.”

Harry Holt, Chief Executive Officer, Babcock, said: “We’re proud to continue our support of the Babcock Inter Service Rugby Championship, which shines a spotlight on the dedication and leadership of our service personnel. The Championship is an opportunity to celebrate the people who serve, have served, and the entire armed forces family. The skills, experience and teamwork demonstrated on the pitch are the same qualities that our colleagues with links to the military bring to our organisation every day.  We look forward to another season that showcases the very best of the armed forces community.”

With a history stretching back more than a century, the Babcock Inter Service Rugby Championship remains one of the most established competitions in Service sport. For 2026/27, the focus is also firmly on its future – growing audiences, creating memorable match-day experiences and celebrating the players, supporters and communities behind Service rugby.

From the emerging talent of the U23 competition and the experience of the Masters through to the Senior double-headers, the season will showcase rugby played with pride, passion and the determination to represent each Service at the highest level.

2026/27 Fixtures

Royal Navy v Royal Air Force

• U23 – 18 November – Havant RFC
• Masters – 17 April – Venue TBC
• Senior Women – 18 April – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
• Senior Men – 18 April – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

British Army v Royal Navy

• U23 – 25 November – Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot
• Masters – 30 April – Richmond Athletic Ground
• Senior Women – 1 May – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
• Senior Men – 1 May – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Royal Air Force v British Army

• U23 – 2 December – Cardiff Arms Park
• Masters – 14 May – Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
• Senior Women – 15 May – Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
• Senior Men – 15 May – Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester

Army v Navy Tickets

Early Bird tickets for Army v Navy at Allianz Stadium on 1 May 2027 go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with prices starting from £28 for adults and £5 for under-16s, subject to booking fee.

In response to supporter demand, the Family Area has doubled in size for 2026/27 and will now be located across Blocks L13–L16. This area will be a no-alcohol zone, creating a welcoming environment for families attending the fixture.

Following feedback from supporters, Block L17 will also be designated as an adult no-alcohol zone, providing an additional option for those who would prefer to enjoy the match in an alcohol-free environment.

Tickets can be found at www.interservicerugbychampionship.co.uk

Tickets for the remaining Senior fixtures will go on sale in due course.

Be there for the rivalry. Be there for the rugby. Be there!

For the latest Championship news, ticket information and fixture announcements, subscribe to the Inter Service Rugby Competition newsletter and follow the Championship across its social media channels detail can be found at www.interservicerugbychampionship.co.uk