Cancellation of Inter Service Rugby Competition 2020

Ben Priddey in action at Twickenham in 2019.
Sam Matavesi goes in for a tackle during the Army v Navy match 2019.
Olivia Critchley will be disappointed not to be taking on the RAF Women at the Stoop in April.

It is with much regret that the Royal Navy Rugby Union announces the cancellation of the Inter Service Rugby competition for 2020, due to the continuing situation with the Covid-19 virus

We know that the whole service rugby community, including all servicemen and women, our supporters and sponsors are as disappointed as the players who were looking forward to representing their Service, and stepping out at Twickenham, The Stoop and Kingsholm.

Everyone who has already purchased tickets will be entitled to a full refund (minus booking and delivery fee) which will be automatically processed in the coming weeks, so there is no need to contact them.  However, if you have specific questions concerning your order, please contact the vendor directly via email, in the knowledge that they may be dealing with a large volume of enquiries and may have fewer staff available to respond than usual.  Please note that refunds will be made to the original purchaser only.

Royal Navy Rugby Union - navyrugbyunion.co.uk
Army Rugby Union (general sales) - englandrugby.com
Army Rugby Union (Corps tickets) - contact Corps Reps via arutickets.com
RFU (family tickets and easy access packages) - englandrugby.com
Harlequins - tickets.quins.co.uk

In a letter to all rugby clubs sent last Friday by Bill Sweeney, the RFU Chief Executive Officer, has confirmed the end of the 19/20 season for all league, cup and county rugby in England (with the exception of the Gallagher Premiership which is still to be decided and discussions are ongoing).  This decision was taken to assist the RFU and clubs with long term planning and to provide clarity to all at a time of continuous change and uncertainty.  The RFU continues to work on a range of options to support clubs at this challenging time and aims to outline these in more detail next month.

In the meantime, the Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior XV training camp has been brought to an end.  The sailors and marines have returned to their ships, units and establishments.  Likewise, the Women’s XV players have done the same and unfortunately their long-awaited tour to South Africa has also been postponed, following the advice of the Defence Attache in South Africa.  The RFU guidance was to suspend all rugby activity in England at both the professional and community level including training and all matches so all the preparation matches were already cancelled.  Wherever possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following Government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.  More support and advice will be forthcoming in the following weeks. 

By line: Vice Chair Commander Sarah Oakley
Images credit: Royal Navy Rugby Union © Keith Woodland and John Walton