First the joy with the news that the newly formed Afghanistan Rugby Federation celebrated its first XV-a-side competition game. Then the sadness as in the same week I received the news that navy rugby stalwart and life member, Terry Le Manquais had sadly passed away. Finally some more joy when today came the official confirmation of Gaz Evans’ move to London Welsh. Another Navy Rugby member with a Premiership opportunity.
Cdr Terry Le Manquias RN – RNRU Life Member
It was sad to hear the news that Cdr Terry Le Manquais, a life member of the Royal Navy Rugby Union had sadly passed away. Terry was a former Chairman of US Portsmouth, taking the reigns from fellow RNRU Life Member Jeff Blackett in 1993. By then he was well versed in the requirements and tribulations of chairing rugby organisations as he had chaired the embryonic Navy Rugby U21 team through some troubled formative years. His calm, and often unseen, hand on the tiller ensured that age grade rugby in the Naval Service was kept alive during the difficult period that saw the demise of U19 rugby and also the need for the RNRU to withdraw from the County Championship. The successful current U23 organisation can chart its roots back to Terry’s influence which continued long after he stood down as chairman. His naval career was equally one of success. He joined the Navy List as an Instructor Officer on a five year short career commission but soon transferred to a medium career commission in 1973 before finally joining the General List in 1979. During his Service he served on HMS Penelope and then HMS Alverstoke and proved to be a great friend of Navy Rugby during his appointment as Deputy Director of Physical Training and Sport. Though he retired from the Service in 1996 he remained active in the RNRU through his position on the Admiralty Board and also through the Army Navy Rugby Committee. He was invited to become a Life Member in 2002. His contribution to Navy Rugby was enjoyed by many and his sad passing will likewise be mourned by all who were fortunate enough to work alongside him and enjoy his company on the touchline. Navy Rugby has lost a great man.
Gaz Evans
In 2009 he was my man of the match in a losing Army Navy cause. In 2010 he scored the winning try as the Navy ended the longest winning run in Inter Service rugby. Over the last three years he has deservedly made the starting hooker’s shirt at Plymouth Albion his own. Since his debut in 2005 he has won 16 caps and the only thing that is surprising is that he has yet to win the Cossack Sword, may be this year? Following London Welsh’s announcement of his signing he now has a Premiership opportunity. I am sure all followers of Navy Rugby wish him well.
Afghanistan Rugby Federation
Regular readers will know that I follow the development of the Afghan game as it has been supported by a number of rugby playing Servicemen from all Arms of the UK Forces. I was therefore pleased to receive the latest batch of images from their CEO Asad Ziar recently.
The first ever competition ended in a draw between Kabul United RFC and Khurasan RFC. The high temperatures prevented extra time being played. Seems along time ago that they were playing in 50cm of snow!
One concern I do have though………..
They look like RAF shorts to me. A second image taken from the other side definitely shows up the RAF’s roundel. Is it part of their master recruitment plan prior to the 2013 Inter Services Rugby?
One quote that particularly stood out for me was from the ARF’s chairman, Mr Mohammad Mansoor when he said “rugby suits the Afghan people because it is tough, physical and athletic sport which depends on good teamwork, strength and passion”. I do not think anyone could have put it better and as the image below shows they are certainly giving the game a good rip!
Diary Dates
Those in the Portsmouth area on Saturday 27th October could do a lot worse than pop down to Burnaby Rd. The RN(W) will be playing the touring Australian Services side. The most recent pointer to form is probably the match the Aussies played, at home, against the British Army. Played in atrocious conditions the Army Women won 14 – 0 but were made to work very hard for it by the Combined Australian Services. It will be good for the RN(W) to have an early season shake down under their new coach, Dominic Salisbury, and hopefully they will be able to build on last season’s progress as they look forward to another campaign of Inter Service Rugby, a home fixture against the strong French Navy team and of course their own Army Navy finale.
Henley Sevens Postponed Due to Regatta Like Conditions
The Navy Sharks last run out of the 2012 Summer was due to be the Henley Sevens on 14th July but the event fell foul of the delightful Summer that the South of England has endured. Though the event will now be on 11th August this does not help the Sharks as many of the team will be on duty supporting the Olympics.
For the record the Army added the Edinburgh Rocks Sevens titles to those already won.. They remain unbeaten as they move to Cwntawe Sevens on 4 August and then, along with the RAF Spitfires, they travel to the USA for the International Defence Sevens. Double World Champions looms I think!
Lost in Translation – 2 Nations Divided by a Common Language [George Bernard Shaw]
Many will probably have heard of the successful Exercise Virginia Gauntlet. It involved 265 Royal Marines travelling to the USA to take on the US Marine Corps in a variety of sporting challenges including both codes of rugby. The RM won the overall event which included a 47 – 7 rugby union victory against a Mayors Select XI (as reported). I feel someone needs to educate the Mayor. The game would have been easier if it was fifteen aside! A full report and gallery is on the RM Sports portal which can be viewed here. It was good to see Navy capped prop Mongo Evans back on the pitch. The last time I saw this was against the RAF in 2010 when on winning his first (to date only) cap he was forced off with a very damaged ankle. Hopefully he will swap the Corps colours to the Navy ones in the coming season. Welcome back.
Later during the tour the RM played the USMC at rugby league in what turned out to be a very comfortable 98 – 0 victory to the touring side. Although Navy Mariners’ Number 8, Chris Richards, did have to spend some time in the bin – blood not sin – due to a bloodied nose.
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