End of the Season, End of an Era
The Army v Navy match day marks the end of the competitive rugby season for the Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior XV, Women's XV and the Mariners (the veterans' XV). But this year it also marked the occasion when the President of the RNRU, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, handed over his role as President to Vice Admiral Ben Key.
Taking over as President in 2012, Admiral Jones had already served as a Vice President for 5 years. He has represented and supported the Royal Navy Rugby Union across the UK and overseas, including a memorable trip to Australia as part of the Commonwealth Navies Rugby competition in 2012.
During his time as President he has had the pleasure to witness the Senior XV end a run of Army domination when they were crowned Inter Service champions in 2016, see the U23 side win back to back Inter Service titles in 2015 and 2016 and the Mariners win their Inter Service competition in 2015. An avid rugby fan, Admiral Jones has attended as many matches as his busy diary has allowed and he is regularly seen in the stand at Burnaby Road and Devonport Services.
To mark the occasion the RNRU Chairman, Colonel Ewen Murchison presented Admiral Jones with some mementoes including a collage of photographs covering memorable events during his tenure as President and one of the limited run of caps that were presented to each of the players who took part in the 100th Army v Navy match. It was also the opportunity to thank Lady Jones for all her support too.
Admiral Jones' successor as President, Vice Admiral Ben Key, is the Fleet Commander, responsible for delivering ships, submarines and aircraft ready for operations all around the world. He is already an active member of the Royal Navy Rugby Union, having already served as a Vice President. We look forward to more RNRU successes and plenty of rugby being played by ships, units and establishments both in the UK and worldwide under his presidency.
Images Royal Navy Rugby Union © Keith Woodland