Inter Service Stars selected for UKAF Showdown against Saracens

Buinimasi wrestles with the Army during the 2015 IS clash
With 15 RN and 3 UKAF caps, Jon Humphrey will be looking to score some points against Saracens
Royal Marine Dave Fairbrother will want to get off the bench to add to his tally of tries
B Buinimasi and Mat Tichias have 12 RN caps apiece and will start against Saracens

Eight of the victorious IS Championship winning RNRU players have been named in the United Kingdom Armed Forces side to play Saracens at the Honourable Artillery Company's ground at Moorgate this Thursday, 19 May KO 1815.

Looking to win his first UKAF cap is Musician Edd Pascoe, the RNRU 2016 winner of the prestigious Players' player, Cossack Sword award.  He will be joined in the starting line up by fellow RNRU and UKAF capped players Marine Jarrard Hayler, Marine Mat Tichias, Logistician B Buinimasi and Air Engineering Technician Jon Humphrey.  Following on from his success at the U23 level, scrum half, Able Seaman Minewarfare Gareth Rees is also set to earn his first representative honours for the UKAF at the Senior level. 

Starting on the bench is the 2016 Army v Navy Man of the Match, Corporal David Fairbrother and one of the Navy Senior XV most capped players loose head prop Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler) Kyle Mason. 

The UKAF Director of Rugby, Major Ian Wilkins, has named a team with a good balance of players from across the three Services, which is hardly surprising following one of the closest Inter Service Championships in recent years.  RAFRU centre, Flight Lieutenant Tom Rock, will lead the team onto the pitch.  

Tickets are still available so head down to the HAC Ground on City Road, London EC1Y 2BQ and if you are in possession of a military ID card you will be eligible for a discount.

Article by RNRU Director of Communications
Images by Alligin Photography /©John Walton © Andrew Fosker © Lee Crabb