Lt Rhodri Leyshon RN Memorial Rugby Match

Friends and colleagues of a Royal Navy pilot, who died when he was forced to ditch his aircraft in the sea off the Dorset coast in September, are holding a charity rugby match in his memory at the Cardiff Arms Park on 30th of August.

Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon Royal Navy, aged 31, was a keen rugby player, a talented aviator and a proud Welshman. Rhod previously played rugby for Cowbridge RFC as well as Wales URNU, Cardiff Met University and was even able to participate in a BRNC alumni rugby tour of America where he was part of the winning side against the US Naval Academy, Annapolis. He subsequently specialised as a Commando Helicopter Force Pilot, qualifying in 2018 and completed several overseas deployments, including to the Caribbean, USA and Norway.

A team formed of serving military personnel as well as veterans with personal links to Rhod from his decade long career will play against his former club Cowbridge at Cardiff RFC’s home stadium, the Arms Park on 30th of August.

The match will be a double header with Cardiff RFC who will be playing Esher in their final Pre-season fixture with their kick off at 15:00 before the Rhod Leyshon Select XV take to the field against a Cowbridge Select XV at 17:30.

Entrance to the match will be free, however there will be representatives of HMS Cambria collecting for Wales Air Ambulance on the gate and throughout the ground during both matches. There will be RNRU representation in attendance at the game and a few familiar RN Rugby faces taking to the pitch as part of the Rhod Leyshon Select XV.

All are encouraged to head down and see Cardiff in action too and make a real day of what promises to be some fantastic rugby performances. Cardiff’s game will be ticketed but as a preseason friendly these will be both bookable in advance (not available yet) and on the door and won’t cost more than £10. If you do attend the Cardiff fixture you will be able to remain in the ground throughout both fixtures. Bar and food outlets will also be open throughout the event.

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