Marine Nationale Look to Strengthen Rugby Links
Those of you who were fortunate enough to travel to Paris last season will not need any convincing as to how seriously the Marine Nationale take their rugby. Apart from a period of eighty minutes their hospitality at the home of Stade Francais was only matched by their disappointment of losing to 'Les Rosbifs'. Well the return match, to be held at Portsmouth on Friday 13 March, looks certain to increase the standing of this already very prestigious fixture. Though only six matches have been played, the challenge has quickly established itself as a key fixture in both Navy's calandar. And if the RN were happy to steal away from last season with the spoils the French are certainly doing their utmost to ensure the trophy does not stay in British hands for too long. Last week the RCMN signed an accord with French Top14 side Rugby Club De Toulon. This partnership will see three Navy players being assigned to the club to further their rugby and also to promote the core Naval values to the local community. It builds on already established partnerships with Stade Francais, Metro Racing, Narbonne and Aviron Bayonnais. It is obvious that they will have a very solid and experienced squad of players when they cross the channel in March. The full article is available for french speakers at: http://www.varmatin.com/ta/rugby/162831/saint-mandrier-sur-mer-passe-croisee-entre-la-marine-nationale-et-le-rct-qui-ont-signe-hier-une-convention