The RN Women of UKAF featuring in Le Crunch
Rugby has certainly returned to Britain and this week sees the UK Armed Forces turn their attention to international rivalries.
The UK Armed Forces women’s rugby team will be in action against their French counterparts on Wednesday the 29th September at the home of Royal Navy Rugby, Burnaby Road Portsmouth. ‘Le Crunch’ will be the first match for the representative side since 2018 and the Royal Navy contingent of the squad includes Olivia Critchley-Peddle, Rose Dixon and coach Charlotte ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson.
As the excitement for the match builds we are shining the spotlight on the Royal Navy women who will be doing their best to send the French back across the Channel disappointed.
Lieutenant Olivia Critchley-Peddle
The Fleet Air Arm is represented by Olivia who is currently based at RNAS Yeovilton and has been plying her rugby trade as Bath RFC’s number 9. Olivia has been a stalwart of the Royal Navy Women’s team and has been chomping at the bit to get back to service rugby. “I’m excited to get back to playing rugby after such a long break. I’m really looking forward to training and playing alongside friends and colleagues from the Army and RAF, all exceptional players, it’s a great setup to get the chance to be part of” she said.
Leading Hand Rose Dixon
Rose, who is based at HMS Collingwood will be joining Olivia in the UKAF squad. A full back or winger by nature, her versatility has meant that she is equally at home anywhere in the back line. After leaving Wasps RFC she moved to Cobham Rugby Club where she has made the full back jersey her own. Rose made the leap from new cap in 2018 to captain in 2019 and the skipper says she is “extremely honoured and grateful to now be considered for a UKAF shirt”. Rose hopes to make her mark and represent the dark blue contingent in the elite level of Forces rugby alongside other incredibly talented players.
Lieutenant Commander Charlotte ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson
The Royal Navy is represented in the coaching set up by ‘Freddie’ who balances her day job at Northwood within the Allied Maritime Command with her coaching commitments for the Honourable Artillery Company and the Royal Navy Women. “To be involved with such a great group of talented players and coaches is a real privilege. UKAF rugby is always a special event and it’s great to be back after such a long break and for such a great occasion. I’m delighted to be part of it” Freddie said.
You can catch the action at the United Services Sports ground in Burnaby Road, Portsmouth. If you can’t make it to the match don’t forget that it will be broadcast live on the Forces News FaceBook page.