UK Armed Forces Rugby Team travel to Bristol for Remembrance Match

Royal Navy Rugby Union Team Captain – Ben Priddey
Corporal David Fairbrother in action at the May 2017 UKAF Match against Bath
In his trade mark blue skull cap – Royal Marine Musician Ed Pascoe
Eldon Myers in his last appearance in the UKAF shirt May 2017

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in, the British Legion have launched their Annual Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day approaches.  So too does the annual UK Armed Forces Remembrance Match. 

This year the match will be played at the Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol on Wednesday 8th November, and the best of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force Rugby Union squads will combine to take on Bristol United RFC.  The aim of the match is to mark the sacrifice of all those who have lost their lives in military service, and to raise money for the important work of the Royal British Legion.

Named amongst the 26 squad are 9 players from the Royal Navy Rugby Union - 4 marines and 5 sailors.  RNRU team captain, Leading Physical Trainer Ben Priddey, is joined by fellow Senior XV players full back, Jon Humphrey and winger, Eldon Myers. Logistician Sam Matavesi and Naval Airman (Air Handler) Cory Moore both receive their first call up to the prestigious squad.  For the Marines, Dave Fairbrother and Jarard Hayler, now fully recovered from the injury he sustained last season, will be looking to join Matavesi in the back row while Nathan Huntley is named as fly half and Royal Marine Musician Ed Pascoe as lock.

Tickets are priced £6 for adults and under 12s cost £2 available from tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk  or call 0117 9630600 option 1.  The match is on Wednesday 8th November, with kick off at 1945. The match will be broadcast on BFBS so if you can’t come along, tune in and be part of the action!

Images Royal Navy Rugby Union © John Walton