Community Competitions
RNRU Inverdale Challenge Trophy
The Inverdale Challenge aims to deliver a competitive, regional-level rugby competition that exposes players to a higher standard of play than typical Unit-level matches. This competition is an important part of the player and coach development pathway, helping individuals progress within the sport. It also provides an opportunity for representative team management to assess players in a competitive environment for potential selection to higher-level teams.
Eligibility
Capped Players
Regional teams competing in the Inverdale Challenge may select no more than eight capped players (Senior XV only). If a capped player has not participated in a Service Capped fixture for one full season, they become eligible for selection again.
Regional/Corps Team Eligibility
Royal Marines
The Royal Marines team includes all Royal Marines personnel, both ashore and afloat, assigned or appointed to Royal Marine units.
Fleet Air Arm
This team comprises all personnel on the trained strength of the Fleet Air Arm assigned or appointed to an Air Station or associated unit. Fleet Air Arm personnel at AESD (HMS SULTAN) are also included.
General/Submarine Service personnel appointed to an Air Station will represent their respective geographical Naval Base:
RNAS Culdrose → RN West
RNAS Yeovilton → RN East
Eastern Region, Northern Region and Western Region
All RN personnel compete for the region where their establishment is located. If Plymouth or Scotland cannot field competitive teams, a combined team may be formed. The Rugby Development Officer will make the final decision, considering recommendations from Regional Warrant Officers.
Fleet
Fleet personnel compete for the region in which they are based.
Second Claim
Players not selected as a first claim for their Region/Corps may, with prior agreement between the Rugby Development Officer and team management, play as a second claim for the region where they are located (as detailed in BR 3 Chap 24 Article 2412 d(1)).
Players not required by their first claim region may also be claimed by another region, subject to agreement. Once claimed, players cannot represent other regions in the same competition.
Navy Cup
The Navy Cup is a prestigious competition played between Units, offering the perfect proving ground for players of all standards to compete for silverware. The competition format may vary each season depending on the number of entries and will be announced accordingly.
Participation & Eligibility
Player Eligibility
Any serviceman assigned to a ship or establishment is eligible to play, provided they comply with the eligibility rules outlined in BR51(4) Chapter 3. Players may not represent more than one team during the competition.
Eligibility protests should be submitted to the Event Organiser.
With prior approval from the Rugby Development Officer (RDO), a player may represent the closest participating Unit if their parent Unit does not enter the competition.
Playing Clusters
To encourage maximum participation and provide more playing opportunities, playing clusters are permitted with prior approval from the RDO.
A playing cluster is a squad formed from multiple Units that cannot raise individual teams. Clusters must be geographical—“all-star” teams are not allowed.
Example: Plymouth Royal Marines could include players from 30, 42, and 47 Commando.
Players representing a cluster cannot play for any other team during the competition.
RNRU 7’s Competition
The RNRU 7’s competition is a free-flowing game based on pace and power over the course of its short matches. The shortness of games (7 minutes each way, 1 minute half time) enables plenty of matches to be played during the competition which is completed over a day. The game has grown in popularity within the community..
For additional information, the 7’s game has had a presence at Commonwealth Games since 1998 and has now been granted full Olympic status making its debut in the 2016 Olympics. Also, there are several big International competitions including World Rugby 7’s World Series and the Rugby World Cup 7’s.
RNRU Beach Rugby Festival
The Beach Rugby Festival is the showcase event of the RNRU community calendar, bringing the season to a close in spectacular style. Held every July on the golden sands of Weymouth Beach, this inter-unit competition is a challenging yet incredibly enjoyable experience that attracts over 100 players each year.
Alongside the men’s competition, a women’s non-contact tournament runs concurrently, offering a fantastic introduction to the sport and ensuring the event is inclusive and fun for all.
