This started as a personal project back in the Summer. I had long wanted to create some stripped back images of the humble poppy with a view to producing some work for Remembrance. We had a few poppies growing … Read More
Underwater photography around the Isle of Skye – Reflections. Below the Skye Line is a joint project between photographer/diver, Gill Williams, and photographer/non-diver, Geraint Ashton Jones. We both live on Skye, both love the environment and both wanted to capture … Read More
A long planned photography trip to coincide with the penultimate day of HMS Oardacious 8 day training row as part of the Talisker Whisky Transatlantic Challenge. The aim was to create some images that the team could use to promote … Read More
This will not be a regular occurence but I have just posted the inaugural blog for the Below the Skye Line porject on the project website To go direct to the blog just click here:
I was recently afforded the opportunity to accompany Hugo Mitchell-Heggs and Dylan Woods to the Institute of Naval Medicine where they were to conduct sub-maximal testing under the supervision of Dr Fran Gunner. The testing was part of their pre reace preparations before they take on the Talisker Whisky Atalntic Challenge, a row across the Atlantic later in the year as part of a four man team all made up of submariners from the Royal Navy.
A busy but most enjoyable few days in Denver, Colorado attending my second Summit Workshop. This one focussed on lighting and I was fortunate enough to have access to four great photographers in Joey Terrill, Dave Black, Jenn Pottheiser and … Read More
The second blog from our collaboration with Gill Williams to examine and capture the underwater views around Skye. Clear waters off the Waternish pennisular allowed some very detailed images of a jellyfish (junvenile Lion’s Mane??) to be created along with … Read More
Introducing a new project which is a collaboration between Gill WIlliams and Alligin Photography to capture some of the underwater bio diversity found on Skye.
We recently covered the British Army’s Inter Corps Cross Country which was held at Tidworth. It coincided with the February week which saw record temperatures recorded in the South of England and the finishing straight was flooded with light from … Read More
Tuesday of this week started with grey mist rolling in to the garden from the Sound of Sleat. The finest of mizzle in the air settled in tiny droplets on everything and the light was flat. The wetness brought out … Read More
It is a 30-35 minute drive to Broadford where we find our nearest small Co-op supermarket. The journey starts on a single track twisting road over Lewisian Gneiss and Torridian outcrops before moving on to far newer rock which has … Read More
After the race. All the images selected for this photo blog were captured by Lee Crabb of Scrumpix Images after the athletes had crossed the finishing line at the recent British Army Cross Country Championships. On the whole I have … Read More
We were invited by British Army Athletics to cover 2 of their cross country events the first of which was the Championship Race, held at Gibraltar Barracks, Minley. Whilst processing the images sent through by Lee Crabb of Scrumpix Images … Read More
Once again this was not a planned trip to observe and capture some images of red deer. Two dats earlier my trip to INverness airport had been marked by the reults of heavy rain. Swollen burns and foaming run off … Read More
The History of Navy Rugby by Alligin Photography is honoured to take in to safe keeping Royal Navy Rugby Union Cap No. 402. It was awarded in 1967 to Navy fullback Peter Cunningham who sadly recently passed away. Less than … Read More
A chance encounter with five mature stags when out for a short stroll on the Applecross penninsular eventually afforded me some great photo opportunties. Having returned to grab my camera I was fortunate enough to find three of the stags … Read More
A chance request for an image I had shown on social media found me hunting for a set of images that had been over looked, mainly due to pressure of time. The missing images were all taken on the Friday … Read More
As a rugby historian I have a collection of most of the match programmes that have been produced for the 101 Army v Navy Matches played and so, as a photographer, it was particularly pleasing to be a small part … Read More
In ocean wastes no poppies blow, No crosses stand in ordered row, There young hearts sleep… beneath the wave… The spirited, the good, the brave, But stars a constant vigil keep, For them who lie beneath the deep. ‘Tis true … Read More
Sonoma Veikune – British Army – Flanker Greg Loydall – Royal Navy – Centre Gareth Rees – Royal Navy – Scrum Half Morgan Evans – British Army – Scrum Half Taking head shots of players from either Army Rugby or … Read More
Though probably one of the more infrequent attendees of the South Skye Camera Club I do enjoy the club nights immensly. It is always great to view photography through a ‘different lens’ and the club brings together a full range … Read More
48 Hours On Sleat Storm Ali did not really effect Sleat as we caught the edge of it and in truth the winds were no worse that many we have throughout the year. The Sound quickly became churned up with … Read More
Anyone who takes a walk down towards Loch Skipport will no doubt come across the Shetland ponies that are turned out on the heather moor land to graze. Why? Because if you do not find them, they will find you … Read More
“Lazy Day’s” is a short photo story from a day spent at the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Keenesburg, Colorado. The site at Keensburg is nearly 800 acres and is open to the public where, via 1.5 miles of aerial walk way, … Read More
I have fond memories of the old Landsowne Road stadium whose main stand vibrated as trains passed beneath it. Whilst its sanitary standard were easily the worst of any major intenrational rugby ground, the stadium oozed atmosphere from every pore … Read More
All the images in this blog were taken with an iPhone in the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani along with the town of Fira on the island of Thera; the largest island that makes up Santorini. Many of the homes, … Read More
A chance encounter with a pair of buzzards and their juvenile, which was literally a few days from leaving the nest. I returned the following week and the youngster had fledged. I only discovered the nest due to following the … Read More
Despite the Glamaig Hill Race being local for me 2018 was the first time my diary allowed me to cover it. I chose a good year with both the overall course record and the Women’s record being broken. The race … Read More
We are fortunate to get both Arctic and Common Terns around the shoreline where we live and to be honest it is often only when looking at the still images that I could say which is which! These images are … Read More
There is a permanent colony of Common (harbour) Seals on the skerries that are found in the bay where the river from Loch Coruisk has its out flow to the sea. The seals tend to return to favoured haul out … Read More
A selection of 10 images that did not make the cut for the Celtman Image Library where there are over 800 images from the day. Images have been processed in black and white as I wanted to remove any distraction … Read More
My thanks to Alwyn Poulter for having the energy to jump for joy after 14 hours of competition. He went on to finish 27th, winning his blue shirt, in a time of 15 hours 4 minutes 52 seconds. All the … Read More
Earlier this year I posted a blog – Superheros and Comic Strips – it introduced an ongoing collapboration between Alligin Photography and Rob where we are revisiting some of the images taken from the 100th Army Navy Match. This blog … Read More
To the East of Washingto DC lies the Robert F Kennedy Stadium, home since 1996 for DC United, an american major league soccer franchise. The stadium can best be described as “tired” but was chosen as the venue for Wales … Read More
A first for Alligin Photography yesterday as we covered the British Army Athletics Team Championship. It is one of theree events that we will be covering for them that culminates in the Inter Service Championship in July. Yesterday’s event was … Read More
A glorious day for playing rugby. Clear blue skies, a packed stadium and two sides with so much history and rivalry. The 101st Army Navy Match was not going to disappoint and was a game of drama, excitement, passion and … Read More
As any close sporting contest ebbs and flows so do the emotions of the athletes and the spectators. This collection of images was taken from the second round of the 2018 Inter Service Championship which was for the first time … Read More
The first ever Inter Service Championship rugby match to be played at the Twickenham Stoop was Royal Navy Women v Royal Air Force Women. Anyone who has followed the two sides in recent years would not have arrived with any … Read More
RAF Captain, Stu Philpott, lifts the Babock Inter Service Trophy The Emotion of Sport Twickenham Stoop hosted its first Inter Service Rugby Union match on Friday 20 April when the Royal Navy played the Royal Air Force in the second … Read More
Rob Bell scored a late try as the RAF secured the Inter-Services Championship title, beating the Royal Navy 31-21 at Twickenham Stoop. Two early Andy Byrne penalties gave the RAF a 6-0 lead, before Eldon Myers hit back to give … Read More
Following on from the success with providing first class imagary, digital distribution and technical support to Service rugby union, Alligin Photography have today signed up to provide similar services for Army Athletics. The agreement will give Army Athletics administrators and … Read More
It seems so long ago the 101st Army Navy Match but with barely 3 weeks to go until the 101st match I though I would share some images from what I feel is an exciting collaboration with a phiotgraphic artist … Read More
The 14th edition of Le Crunch was probably played in the best stadium atmosphere the series of matches has witnessed, surpassing the game of 2010 when it first moved to Stade Mayol. The Marine Nationale fed off this atmosphere and … Read More
One of the highlights of my photographic calendar is a biennial trip to Toulon to photograph the matches between the Marine Nationale and Royal Navy. These five photographs are my tribute to an eighth consecutive win for RCMN(F) in the … Read More
With the 100th anniversary of the RAF on 1st April, just a week away today, this blog post is my own little tribute inspired by the apocryphal storyline in the film about the Spitfire “The First of the Few” and … Read More
With the Royal New Zealand Navy (the cup holders) not travelling to the UK, the 2018 edition of the Navies Commonwealth Cup pitted the Royal Australian Navy against their hosts, the Royal Navy. Having first met in 1986 the Australian … Read More
The original image is from the recent Armee de Terre v British Army match played on the outskirts of Paris. Lee Crabb of Scrumpix Images was at the game on behalf of Alligin Photography and the Army Rugby Union and … Read More
There is no doubt in my mind that a well maintained wooden boat will always outshine any boat made of steel , fibreglass or plastic. I feel the same when they are in the last throws of decay; where with … Read More
This time of year the red deer in the highlands are not looking their best. Having got themselves all preened up for the pre Christmas rut their coats gradually become more scruffy as they see through the winter. However though … Read More
It wasn’t just in Aldershot that an Army team had to over come terrible conditions. The Senior XV were playing the British Police at East London RFC and were also met with heavy driving rain and a quagmire of a … Read More
A really tough set of conditions at Aldershot Rugby Stadium last night but it makes for some great images if not great working conditions for the photographers. Lee Crabb of Scrumpix Images has once agains produced an excellent set of … Read More
This time of year the red deer in the highlands are not looking their best. Having got themselves all preened up for the pre Christmas rut their coats gradually become more scruffy as they see through the winter. However though … Read More
Images by © Charley Rose Photography in collaboration with Alligin Photography
Prior to the match against Cambridge University, the last time I had seen John was on the touchline at the Army U23XV match v RAF U23XV. He should have been on the pitch but a broken hand sustained in a … Read More
The lights at Cambridge University are notoriously poor. With an ISO set up at 12800 and a lens opened at 2.8 there were parts of the pitch which were still no go zones with shutter speeds dropping down to 1/400th. … Read More
This blog is a replication of the latest photo story that we have uploaded on to the Army Rugby Union Media Portal. There are now 11 photo stories uploaded in the portal and they can be easily visited by clicking … Read More
Later today the Army Women take on Holland in Amsterdam, It is a prestigious fixture for the Army players so we were fortunate that four of their players gave up some of their training time to allow Lee Crabb of … Read More
The simple truism seems to be so often over looked in the world of professional photography – by all parties. Speak to anyone who earns their living through photographs and they will be able to recount countless stories of people … Read More
The two Ocean Blue images were taken on the same day as I created the images for the Waves and Winter Sunshine series (see images at bottom of blog). However for these two images I reset the camera’s white balance … Read More
I have always been fascinated by water whether it is line shining on it, the wide repertoire of sounds it generates or its motion. The images on this blog were taken in late December when the sun struggles to get … Read More
Work has precluded being able to post for a few days but at last I have finished a small gallery of images taken focusing on the Yellow Bell flower, a small delicate flower which, when examined closely, has some lovely … Read More
Visit any warm country and you are likely to see geckos on the walls of buildings (inside and out). On a recent visit to Antigua I spent quite a bit of time observing and photographing the geckos primarily when they … Read More
We have been very fortunate, as photographers, with the freedom and support given to us by the Army Rugby Union as we explore some different angles and images that we can capture at rugby union matches. At their opening U23 … Read More
We have been working with the Army Rugby Union throughout the season to experiment with our photography as we look for new angles for rugby union images. Last night they very kindly gave permission for us to set up two … Read More
The final blog of three looking at aspects of the Pelican. Having covered the pelican diving and taking off it is now time to look at the bird in flight. On land the pelican can be ungainly in its movements … Read More
This is an update on the project that myself, Lee Crabb of Scrumpix Images and Charley Rose of Charley Rose Photography are undertaking to explore and capture different images of rugby union in collaboration with the Army Rugby Union. Having … Read More
Click on an image to view a larger version. All images taken with a Canon 1DX MkII and a Canon EF200-400 zoom with the extender engaged. All pictures were hand held.
Click on an image to view a larger version. All images taken with a Canon 1DX MkII and a Canon EF200-400 zoom with the extender engaged. All pictures were hand held.
Click on any image for a larger version.
I have been visiting Torridon for twenty five years and though it used to be nearly a 12 hour trek from the South Coast it is now (relatively speaking) on my door step; being less than 2 hours from our … Read More
This is a photo story article we produced for our client, Army Rugby Union, and is part of a series of photo stories that can be viewed at the Army Rugby Union Media Portal – photo stories. In this story … Read More
It has been a long process but gradually the women’s game is beginning to get the headlines that the players deserve. In recent seasons there have been a number of excellent matches hosted at the Army’s Aldershot Rugby Stadium. The … Read More
It is not by accident that rugby union has found an affinity with the military across the world. Shared values in a sport that has physical confrontation blended with team responsibility but still encourages individual flair has ensured that rugby … Read More
A walk through any mature woodland area is always a walk of discovery. The forest floor is a rich treasure trove of nature which encompasses the whole life cycle. Along side the youngest sapling straining skywards in their fight for … Read More
Sport at any level only works because of those who operate behind the scenes. The kit technician (bag man in my day) is often the first to arrive, the last to leave and in between often has to operate at … Read More
It must be October! 1st October and all three Service U23 Xv sides were in action. At Portsmouth the Royal Navy completed their trials weekend with a hard fought match against Hampshire U20 whilst the Royal Air Force were making … Read More
One of the images that grabbed quite a bit of attention from this years RugbyTown7s was the black and white image of Army Rugby Union Seven’s player Iggy Putty. Later I will explain a little about creating the image but … Read More
A second instalment and selection of images from the final match of the Royal Navy USA tour. Again all images are @Scott Taetsch with black & white post production done by Alligin Photography. On the field the tour ended with … Read More
On Saturday 16th September, 2017 the small village of Craonnelle, in the Aisne Department of France unveiled a permanent memorial to rugby players who had lost their lives in WWI. The project had been the idea of John Dennison and … Read More
It was certainly a first for Alligin Photography, covering two sporting events either side of the Atlantic. Whilst three photographers were producing some images for the Army Rugby Union at Aldershot, Scott Taetsch, an awarding winning photographer, from Washington was … Read More
Rich Clarkson is acknowledged as one of the founding fathers of today’s sports photography, he also, 30 years ago, set up a series of workshops for aspiring photographers to work alongside industry leaders and develop in a creative environment. Alligin … Read More
When you come across the fawn, then the hind is not likely to be too far away. Having had a largely fruitless and exhausting climb earlier in the day looking for black bear (ended up taking a photo of a … Read More
Landscapes, sport and wildlife – in that order – was what drew me in to photography. Today it is sport that takes the greatest part of my time, wildlife has become a passion and I still love trying to capture … Read More
Editorial or Promotion? In this article, is this image of Army Rugby Union Sevens player Ben Fulton being used for editorial purposes or for marketing by Alligin Photography? Is this blog post news or promotion? With the new General Data … Read More
Two buzzards hunting to the back of the house first caught my eye. However when I went to have a closer look I was quickly distracted by a gull and a raven having an aerial skirmish with an eagle over … Read More
Alligin Photography is pleased to announce that it has launched a new feature o the Army Rugby Union Media Portal. Photo Story will be a section that builds over time and it is where the photographer will give a little … Read More
The official Army v Nay Match have announced that ticket go on sale on 1 November. Only 60 days from today. Last year both the Army Rugby Union and Royal Navy Rugby Union rugby sold out their ticket allocations in … Read More
The opportunity to photograph this heron on a small pond on the Southern side of Outlook Mountain only occurred because I had spooked the hawk I was trying to get closer too. With the hawk taking flight I turned to … Read More
This is the second blog about the goats on Mount Evans, the first can be viewed by clicking here. On the upper reaches of Mount Evans I came across five mountain goats. One Billy, two Nannies and two Kids. For … Read More
Pika’s are found around the world at high altitudes on mountains. They are related to rabbits and do not hibernate. During the summer months they dry grasses to make hay which they store for their winter use. Their high pitched … Read More
Have you ever stopped to think what a head coach is going through on the sidelines? The RugbyTown7s tournament over this last weekend provided some fantastic rugby sevens on the pitch. A number of the matches stood out for their … Read More
Ben Fulton, pictured above brings an abrasive edge to the British Army 7s side and his passion and emotion shows through when on the side line. I deliberately framed the image to leave in the British Army’s shirt sponsor, showing … Read More
The 2017 RugbyTown7s, held at Glendale’s Infinity Park were played in very hot temperatures. With the teams being closely matched the tournament was also brutal in its physicality and all the teams suffered a degree of attrition. As the first … Read More
So the first day of the RugbyTown7s held at Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado is complete. This blog is not about the action images, though many of those can be viewed at the Army Rugby Media Portal. No in this blog … Read More
Click on any image to view a larger version. All images taken with a Canon 1DX MkII and EF200-400mm f4.0 lens.
JPF Sports Media With a major redesign and improved functionality the Army Rugby Union’s Image Library has become its media portal. Alligin Photography has redesigned the core infrastructure of its acclaimed digital library service to provided a great platform for … Read More
You may recall a previous blog I wrote: Every journey starts with a single step… Well read on to hear about a very unexpected step two along my journey to tackle head on a couple of my well documented aversions … Read More
Alligin Photography are very pleased to announce that we have agreed terms with the Army Rugby Union and will again be looking to capture a wide selection of imagery from their games this season. As last year we will provide … Read More
The four photographs below are all from the same image of Eigg, the Hebridean island my office looks out to. As the sun is now moving South the early light is beginning to strike Eigg more from the side … Read More
Click on image for larger version. All images taken with Canon 1DX, EF200-400mm f4.0 with 1.4 extender at max zoom (560mm). Final landing sequence compensated by +2/3 as shooting slightly down and in to the sun / reflection from sea.
At a recent workshop I attended a couple of images were presented where a 500mm reflex lens had been used. These are famous for their ‘donut ring’ bokeh and the point was made how you sometimes forget what attributes different … Read More
A business trip with TJFrog was sold on the promise of lunch at Skye’s wonderful pie cafe where, as the name suggests, they serve the most delightful pies. However the pies are not the only attraction to visit a cafe … Read More
I had twenty minutes to spare between a couple of business engagements, so I set myself the task of photographing the two swans in the business park ponds. There was some cloud in the sky so the light fluctuated between … Read More
As the A890 heads down towards the small village of Auchtertyre there is a section of road where, if you look back on yourself, there is a brief but spectacular view of the ‘Sisters of Kintail’ mountain peaks. I have … Read More
Hard Day in the Office Harsh sun light, reflections off the water, reflections of the white decking, moving platform, ozone haze. Life can throw some touch assignments but it is always great to accept an offer to grab a few … Read More
I have always tried to avoid two things with my photography – artificial light and taking photos of people unless they are participating in sport. My reasons for this are various and thus far apart from the odd presentation photograph … Read More
Looking across to Hayden’s Peak reminded me of the John Denver song Rocky Mountain High. It’s second line goes “Coming home to a place he’d never been before.” And so it was for me. Although I had never been in … Read More
A break from event photography and a walk on a very hot day around Denver. A visit to Colorado’s State Capitol Building proved very informative thanks to our guide Diana. Inside, the grandeur of Elijah Myers design could be appreciated, … Read More
Some more images from the moto-X track. Thanks to Joshua Adams for the image of me working. Hand holding the Canon EF200-400 f4 L to try and get some silhouette images as a weather front crossed the circuit bringing with … Read More
The aim was to produce a picture of wake boarder, Blane, that highlighted the athlete as well as the skills in the sport. This is an image taken by Scott Taetsch from the back of the wave surfing boat at … Read More
Certainly the longest single day event covered by Alligin Photography. From a cup of coffee with Hilary and Kate in July 2016 we helped produce the 100th Army Navy Match commemorative book and added further historical material for the match … Read More
The final one of three mini photo essays from the Royal Navy v Marine Nationale (men and women) rugby on Wednesday last.
Bonnie van Wilgenburg sets new course record for the Women and becomes the first women to record a top ten finish as a number of records fell at the 2016 CELTMAN! Extreme Scottish Triathlon. Click on the image to go … Read More
A selection of action images from the photography team at yesterday’s Army Navy Match can be found by clicking here.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning;” The line from Binyon’s 1914 poem must be one of the most remembered and repeated line of verse. He wrote his poem whilst on the North Cornish coast, near … Read More
At 12:00BST today the multihulls, the greyhounds of modern day sailing, crossed the line for the start of the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race. Last night the slightly slower Eda Frandsen rounded Ard Thurnish having left Mallaig for a week exploring the … Read More
If you are a delicate man. And of wetting your skin are shy. I’d have you know, before you go. You had better not think of Skye. By Alexander Nicholson
Tenth behind Graham Stewart in 2013, Dirk Zangen knocked the best part of 2 hours 20 minutes of his previous best to win the 2015 Celtman xTri in a time of 11 hours 51 minutes 14 seconds. In so doing … Read More
Congratulations to the 87 winners of a 2015 Celtman Blue shirt and the 70 winners of a 2015 Celtman White shirt. A great day’s competition and one I again thoroughly enjoyed photographing. All the images are now available under the … Read More
A lovely sunny day looking out on to the Sound of Sleat, off Slye’s South East coast. The weekend will once more be spent over at Torridon following one of my favourite events in the sporting calendar. Hopefully the weather … Read More
A morning stroll towards the Point of Sleat was a joy in so many way.
The sun is gradually lifting the early morning sea fret and the mountains over at Morar are now in view. Looks like it might be a loverly Easter day.
For over 62 years the three commandos, sculpted by Scott Sutherland, have looked across to Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor from they raised position just North of Spean Bridge.
A long journey South to North with Sally Traffic announcing the typical litany of road congestion – “M3 junctions 2 to 4, M6 junctions 12 – 19, M62 closed between 5 & 6” etc etc. Fortunately that was all behind … Read More
The Sleat peninsula is formed of some of the oldest rock in Europe. Outcrops of Lewisian gneiss, Torridonian sandstone and Moine sediments are to be found with the oldest over 2500 million years old. And throughout that time they have … Read More
A hand held shot with a small Canon G7X which still gives excellent colour rendition when shooting raw files. Also easy to keep in the pocket on those days when you don’t wish to carry a bulky SLR.
Having enjoyed an interesting start to 2015 due to successive Atlantic lows bringing a series of storms across Skye it was great to once more see some spectacular contrast caused by breaks in the storm clouds over head. Here the … Read More
The Rùm Cullin often disturb the air flow as the weather heads towards the Point of Sleat from the West. Both on tranquil and stormy days it can lead to some wonderful patterns of light. During the day these are normally … Read More
Having posted the sunrise this morning, the free evening show did it’s best to match.
It’s not the worst way in the world to start the day. Cup of coffee made with beans roasted just down the road at Breakish by Skye’s own coffee roastery and a gentle dawn after a couple of days of … Read More
September had been quite a dry and clear month. However some rain overnight lifted the water levels in the burns. The rivers on Skye are short and most of the water just runs off rock, so they are quick to … Read More
Visit the Skye Farm Shop for great local produce, home made cakes and the best breakfast rolls. For the latest information on visiting Sleat visit their Facebook page.
Behind the leaders after the swim, a strong ride saw Johan Hansselmark move in to second place behind Scottish favourite Stuart Macloud. However the Edinburgh man could not hold off the strong running of Johan and he powered home in … Read More
Ten to three in the morning and competitors are beginning to set their bikes up at T1 ready for the third running of Celtman. It is a ‘simple’ test of extreme physical and mental endurance that consists of : Swim … Read More
The Royal Navy U23 rugby team were the focus of my attention yesterday and they had an impressive strike force in their back three of captain Matt Horton @ fullback and wingers Eldon Meyer and Ben Clarke. However I managed … Read More
Having endured a couple of very wet days it was great to have some clear skies and early morning sun. I was down by the River Hamble to take a couple of shots of the Navy Referees Charity Ride for … Read More
Off to Spitbank Fort in the Solent today for lunch. Whilst waiting to leave noticed this fine specimen at the side of the house doing exactly the same. Have to check on my return to see who has been more … Read More
Taken two days apart in Bangkok and Hill Head I was taken by the eyes of both birds.
This page is dedicated to those who have won Celtman or have recorded a fastest time on an individual component of the Celtman Extreme Triathlon. I have tried to be as accurate as possible but if you believe there is … Read More
Everyone who entered the waters of Loch Torridon at 05:00 on Saturday morning are winners.
Congratulations must go to all of the competitors that completed the 2013 CXTri in the most testing of conditions yesterday. It was a privilege to be there as an observer as you pushed yourselves to the outer limits of endurance. … Read More
The 2013 Network Rail sponsored Junior Leaders Field Gun witnessed the full range of human emotions as BAE Systems retained their crown on a day of thrilling competition.
This week is Junior Leaders Field Gun week at HMS Collingwood. Teaams from local colleges, naval and air force establishments, sea and army cadets alongside apprentices from BAE Systems and tournament sponsors Network Rail compete with Field Gun equipment and … Read More
Fresh on the heals of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun comes the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition.
A spare gun. Crew members who had not made their parent teams. The Barbarians Field Gun Crew was born. Four days together was rounded off with the Soapy Watson Memorial Trophy for the P3 Final. Just the story that Soapy … Read More
Bitterly cold easterly winds at the moment but slowly the countryside is beginning to come alive though few flowers out yet apart from the early hardy daffodils.
The image gallery for the match against the Irish Defence Forces has now been posted on the Royal Navy Senior XV page. All the historical results in the previous meetings ofthese two teams can be viewed at the Royal Navy … Read More
Monkstown Football Club was the venue for the first of the Navy’s cup matches this season. The history of this twelve year fixture is one of close hard fought battles. Last year at Burnaby Rd the Navy won comfortably, the … Read More
I have added a gallery of the 2013 Navy Rugby Senior XV playing Squad. Also all the images from last nights game are now on the 2013 Navy Rugby Senior XV Page
As Fortress Twickenham emptied yesterday evening two members of the French Navy Women’s team took to the field in their national colours as the French Women took on their English counterparts.
England Women U20 v France Women U20 Traditional Army v Navy rivalry will be placed on hold at Esher RFC on Saturday when the top two service women rugby referees join forces to be the assistant referees at the England … Read More
Gone are the days when US Portsmouth could field many internationals in its famous hooped shirts but today’s club remains at the forefront of rugby innovation.
The second round of the the 2012/13 Inter Command matches coincides with the return from Operations of Navy Rugby’s new Head Coach, Owen Salmon, and the day after his return he hopes to be on the touchline at HMS Heron … Read More
Ash Coates has been confirmed as new CS Director of Rugby, Doc Cox’s first appointment – Head Coach for the Combined Services Senior XV 2013.
[This blog post was update 16 Jan to amend and correct the information on Dan Parkes] When Gaz Evans turned out for London Welsh last weekend he joined an elite group of modern Navy Rugby players.
A busy Christmas with rugby and family is rapidly becoming a distant memory as is my memory of the sun. Recent low pressure systems have brought constant rain and low cloud. The days have lacked contrast and having lights on … Read More
A new image – Sunset From Aird – can be viewed by clicking here. In the middle of December the sun sets between the two islands of Eigg and Rhum. Although the horizon was obscured by a bank of cloud … Read More
A comfortable win for HMS Seahawk as they retain their Navy Cup title with victory over HMNB Portsmouth. Brief match report with a selection of images below. All the images will be available over the next couple of days.
As you approach Glen Coe from the South you pass one of Scotland’s most famous mountains which stands guard over the glen’s entrance. The pyramid of Stob Dearg at 1022m is an imposing site and behind runs the five mile … Read More
If you are an active referee in the Navy and have refereed the Fishermen of Brixham then you know Danny Irvine. My first trip to Brixham was as a young East Midlands Referee and when he found out I was … Read More
The latest page, in an attempt to capture the history of NavyRugby, went live a couple of days ago. It can be found on this site under the Navy Rugby menu. http://alliginphotography.co.uk/navy-rugby-knockout-cup/ In researching the information I have found that … Read More
England Women won 17-10 last night at the Army’s Rugby Stadium, Aldershot in front of a good sized crowd. With the win Gary Street’s side go 2-0 up in the three match series and no doubt the England team will … Read More
For new Navy Women’s Head Coach, Dominic ‘Bali’ Salisbury, there could not have been a harder start to his tenure. A match against the experienced touring Australians at a time when a number of senior players were unavailable for selection. … Read More
When HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful landed their guns to help the besieged British Army at Ladysmith during the Boer War two modern day legacies were born. The first was Naval Field Gun which nurtured so many matelots with the … Read More
Owen Salmon, currently on deployment in Afghanistan, has been named as the Navy Rugby’s new head coach for the Senior XV. He fill the vacancy left by the departure of Ash Coates due to professional commitments. I will be writing … Read More
Congratulations to Paul and Stuart who are the organisers of the Celtman Extreme Trialthlon on winning their Triathlon Event of the Year Award. Entries are closed for the 2013 event which will be on 6 Jul. For those who what … Read More
All images from Friday’s match against the RAF U23 are available here. – Two years ago Tom Davies was an influential member of the Royal Navy U23’s team that opened the 2010 Inter Service Championship with an away win over … Read More
The opening round of the 2012 Inter Service U23 Championship saw a tense win for the Royal Navy.
With most eyes focused on tomorrow’s opening game of the 2012 U23 Inter Service Championship it will not be just the emerging players of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force who sit in the changing room with a nervous … Read More
For Scott Ashley and Kai Blackett (far right), this season’s head coach and coach of the U23s respectively, the rematch against the RAF could not come to soon. The blustery afternoon, last year, at RAF Cosford no doubt holds some … Read More
On his first team debut for Bath, the Army’s Semesa Rokodugni lands man of the match in victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.
When I work in performance environments I am often asked about what drives success. Too many people are seduced in to looking for the answer in terms of infrastructure or money. The answer is people make success, people with a … Read More
Commandos from the Royal Marines, Army , Royal Navy as well as from some overseas forces gathered at the Commando Memorial Spean Bridge ‘To Remember’
Operations and injuries ensured that a number of new faces lined up in CS ranks for the 2012 Remembrance Match sponsored by the Royal British Legion. Though this didn’t prevent a well motivated side from deservedly achieving a 19-0 lead … Read More
Australian Services beat the Combined Services 24-12 in an excellent encounter at Caerphilly RFC. It brings their tour to an end where they remained unbeaten.
The Australian Services Rugby Union have picked a powerful side as they seek to finish their 2012 UK Tour unbeaten.
What a month of rugby the recently announced Command Competitions for the Inverdale Cup has thrown up.
In May 2010, at the then Guinness Premiership Final, Saracens fly half Glen Jackson, bowed out of top flight rugby to become a referee. On Saturday he takes charge of the test between England and Fiji at the same Twickenham … Read More
I am sure for the coaching staff it has come around far too soon. However Sunday’s U23 match at home to Cambridge University LX Club is the last opportunity for the ongoing development before the 2012 U23 Inter Service matches. … Read More
Gaz Evans to miss Combined Services game.
Samesa Rokoduguni is not a player who conjures up very many happy memories if your are a Service rugby union follower with a penchant for blue.
It was entirely appropriate that a charity event inspired by former Royal Marine and Navy Rugby player Aaron Moon’s courage in the aftermath of his bomb blast injuries sustained in Afghanistan should present the cheques in Admiral Horatio Nelson’s Great … Read More
Dewi Bebb, two caps playing for the Royal Navy, thirty one appearances for the British Lions including eight test matches. Four appearances for the Barbarians and thirty four caps for Wales is the Royal Navy’s most capped international. Second on … Read More
Australia two from two as they now move on to Aldershot and a rematch with the British Army on Wednesday night. On this showing they will take some stopping. There was not much waltzing but again a feast of powerful … Read More
For the Oxford University U21s, the LX Club from Cambridge University and also the RN and Army U23 sides the goal of playing at Twickenham is both real and close at hand.
A preview of Saturday’s Royal Navy Women v Australian Defence Force Warriors match at Burnaby Rd, Portsmouth. Kick off14:00
The misty conditions at RAF Halton were appropriate to the sombre mood prior to the kick off when both teams gave silent tribute to fallen comrades. However when the game did start the Aussies brought with them their own Gold … Read More
The Australian Women’s Rugby Union side go up against all three single Service sides plus UK Combined Services. Navy players selected for CS men’s team and other news from across Navy Rugby.
When the day starts this well then you just have to get outdoors.
The ‘Spitfire’ is an iconic name belonging to one of the world’s most famous fighter planes born of Supermarine’s experience with sea planes and the Schneider Trophy. Through Kentish Ale it has also, far more recently, spawned some excellent adverts … Read More
The Royal Navy Commonwealth Cup squad select Seti Raumakita to be awarded the Bundaberg Bottle [of rum], presented to the Royal Navy Rugby Union by Mr John Walton.
Army hooker Matt Dwyer is a late call up for Ospreys opening Heineken Cup match this weekend. Matt who has always proved to be a fierce competitor to Navy aspirations at Twickenham was on the fringe of a break through … Read More
RN winning CNRC match report below. Last night’s U23 match is available by clicking here. Also some interesting info from BFBS. Includes interview with Ash before the final match and thoughts looking forward to April 2013.
“The New Zealand team woke on Tuesday morning with their fate in their own hands. Beat or draw against their historic rivals, Australia, and they would be the 2006 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup champions and the first team beside the … Read More
Former Navy player and referee makes national news as part of a remarkable reunion.
This season’s Combined Services Remberance Day Match will be played on Wednesday 7th November 2012 at Sardis Rd, Pontypridd against the world famous Crawshays XV
Garrick and Boyce’s “Heart of Oak” is the official march of the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy so in the middle of the sixth Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup the oak theme is very … Read More
The Royal Navy beat the Royal New Zealand Navy 21-18 in a thrilling second match of the 2012 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup which keeps alive their ambition of retaining their title.
Unofficial Selection – Royal Navy v Royal New Zealand Navy A little fun before Andy Kellett announces his team (and that’s the only one that matters) before the RN’s first match. Gaz will not enjoy being put at tight head … Read More
After ten years as Navy Rugby Referees’ Secretary Tim Bailey hands over the administrative whistle to Geoff Howells. Geoff has a very hard act to follow. Also in this blog US Portsmouth says farewell to Terry Le Manquais and images … Read More
The first match of the 2012 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup was a repeat of the 2009 opening fixture with the Royal Australian Navy taking on the Royal New Zealand Navy. At stake was not only the first points in the … Read More
BFBS Preview of 2012 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup Before the Royal Navy squad set off to Australia, BFBS Sport’s reporter Julian Evans visited at their training base. Julian Evans’s report from HMS Sultan featuring the dulcet tones of coach Mike … Read More
For information on the 2012 Commonwealth Navies Cup in Sydney click here. I have added a list of previous player of the tournaments. Royal Navy Rugby League provide perfect lead out for Union team.
2012 Commonwealth Cup has its own page. Click here. Royal Navy Rugby Union Referees Training Day Now before all those gnarled old players out there start getting ideas this is not open season on referees but an observation on their … Read More
Commonwealth Cup – all the information can be found on this page – CNRC Sydney 2012 With the Commonwealth Cup starting on Wednesday and the Royal Navy team in the air as this is written the sixth CNRC will soon … Read More
A quiz for all Navy Rugby aficionados out there. Who is the missing player from the following list: Kev Bethwaite, Dave Sibson, Glenn Loughlin, Chris Alcock, Les Oman, Rich Perkins, Paul Livingstone, Bill Dunham, Cass Clay, Mike Leatherland, … Read More
This is the first of three posts that looks back at some of the history of the Commonwealth Cup and hopefully will help Navy Rugby followers to understand that though the Royal Navy has always won the trophy, the tournaments … Read More
With the Navy team leaving next week for the 2012 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup (CNRC) being hosted by the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney it is an ideal opportunity to look at the current form of the three competing teams.
As previously posted former Navy Coach, Billy May, was selected to be part of Samurai’s coaching team in this weekend’s Safaricom 7’s. Samurai will be looking to go one better than last year when they lost to Samoa in the … Read More
Former Navy Sharks and Senior XV coach, Billy May, has been invited to be part of Samurai’s coaching team at this month’s Kenya Safari Sevens.
Earlier this month witnessed the passing of a great man of rugby Gordon Waddell who sadly died on 13 August. During his National Service he was a Royal Marine Commando and represented Devonport Services RFC. He won a solitary cap … Read More
Gaz Evans Exiled by Exiles Navy hooker/number eight Gaz Evans made his debut for his new club London Welsh in the 40-31 defeat away to Premiership rivals Bath. However Director of Rugby Lyn Jones felt Gaz needed some more game … Read More
Infinity Park, Denver, Colarado sees the International Defence Sevens with the Royal Air Force and British Army joining two Australian Army teams, the French Armed Forces, the US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Army and US … Read More
I am not a superstitious person, so the luck / bad luck about travelling on Friday the thirteenth has never bothered me. As I have written about in an earlier blog, last weekend I completed the RNRU 3 Peaks Challenge, … Read More
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 … Read More
One long day Three high peaks Three great causes One man as inspiration The Royal Navy Rugby Union 24 Hour Three Peaks Challenge A Doc Cox and Ed Moss-Ward Production
A picture paint a thousands words. Will write the full account soon but in short challenge successful. Have you given yet? Click here. Geraint
After their continued improvement at the Newquay Surf Sevens, the Navy Sharks complete their 2012 sevens campaign at the revived Henley Sevens.
Anyone who has visited the Isle of Skye or indeed viewed the island from the West Coast of Scotland will not have missed the serrated skyline of the Cuillin mountains, the most southerly of which is Blaven. For anyone who … Read More
Part three of three reflections on the recent Celtman Extreme Scottish Marathon Part two can be viewed more easily by clicking here. Part one can be viewed more easily by clicking here. Run I spent my time, with my camera, in Coire Mhic … Read More
Part two of three reflections on the recent Celtman Extreme Scottish Marathon Part one can be viewed more easily by clicking here. Cycle
The Navy Sharks produced by far their best performance of the 2012 Sevens season at the Newquay Surf Sevens . With a squad bolstered by some of the star performers from the recent Navy Sevens the team made the main … Read More
Part one of three reflections on the recent Celtman Extreme Scottish Marathon Swim
A long days drive from the Isle of Skye was rewarded by a day of very good sevens when Ivel Barbarians RFC hosted the 2012 Royal Navy Rugby Union Sevens Tournament. HMS Seahawk beat 30 Cdo RM in a good … Read More
Congratulations to all who completed the Celtman 2012. The images have now been posted in my Action Images section.
With the opening of the Skye Bridge in 1995 (Tolls abolished in 2004) most journey’s do not involve a ferry crossing. From where we are in Sleat it is quicker to use the Mallaig Armadale ferry but after a thirteen … Read More
Whilst not yet in the category of Tiger Sharks or Great Whites the Navy Sharks have certainly left behind their Wild Boar Sevens lethargy and produced some much improved performances at the West Country Sevens. A full gallery of images … Read More
His place in Navy Rugby history is assured. It is unlikely that any Servicemen will ever play in more Inter Service matches in the UK. However last week Bob Armstrong clearly felt the need to add another paragraph to his … Read More
The Rugby Club Marine Nationale achieved what neither the Royal Navy or indeed the US Navy could achieve when then beat their Army opponents in the French Inter Services yesterday. Having already beaten the Gendarmes on Monday the RCMN now … Read More
Whilst the Isle of Skye continued to enjoy some great weather I returned South to spend a couple of weeks photographing Field Gun. This competition remains, to me, the epitome of team sport.
After a couple of season’s break the Navy Sharks were back in action at the Wild Boar Sevens and found out first hand how much the game of rugby sevens has evolved and developed in the last couple of years. … Read More
It is sad to report that Navy Rugby Life Member Dermot Crean passed away on 29th May 2012. His las few years were a battle against Alzheimer’s but followers of Navy Rugby will remember the doc for his immense contribution … Read More
The fledglings mentioned in the last blog have flown and the whole Sleat Peninsular is alive with bird song and the vibrancy of new life. Bluebells cover vast swathes of the Sleat hillsides and in the Sound I have enjoyed … Read More
Have spent a couple of days getting to grips with my new location and seeking out suitable photographic locations. So far I am only exploring sites on the Sleat Pennisular and already I feel a little like Charlie on his … Read More
A Tribute to Josh Drauniniu I blame the chinese and their Yin and Yang philosophy. You see in the same week that Navy Rugby’s Josh Drauniniu announced his retirement from Service rugby due to his leaving the Service, HMS Diamond … Read More
The announcement this week of the fifth head coach for RN(W), Bali Salisbury, opens a new chapter of Women’s rugby in the Royal Navy. He will take the side in to its second decade of Women’s Inter Service rugby where … Read More
“I think it’s crackers that they are doing the challenge to be honest. I think they could have done something a bit easier but is nice to know that they still care and that they want to do something because … Read More
Many of the regular visitors to my site will already know that after more than twenty five years in the Royal Navy Tania and I have decided to relocate North of Portsmouth. After extensive research we hit upon the small … Read More
With two games being played simultaneously it was hard to follow both and though I spent most of my time watching the RN(W) side it was clear that the mariners fixture was a thrilling affair with a twist worthy of … Read More
There is one time and place at Twickenham when no captain wishes to be first – up the steps at the end of the match to receive sympathy and medals from the RFU President. After again producing an eighty minute … Read More
The Navy had a fourth team competing as part of Army Navy day. Before the Army Navy match and also during the half time interval the RFU were showcasing a National Girls event which had partly been organised by Navy … Read More
The Women’s Inter Service Rugby Championship celebrated the culmination of its tenth year on 28th April and the Army should be congratulated on the continuation of their unbroken run. However the matches over the last few years have been far … Read More
Photographs are taking a little time to process as the weather is too good in Skye to be behind a computer. In fact it is so nice that even RAF fast jet pilots are flying! Have uploaded the album of … Read More
Jon Knighton has done an excellent preview of the Army Navy match focusing on it being the final game for two great service players Mark Lee and Josh Drauniniu. It is on BFBS tonight (Thursday 18:30 Sky Channel 231) or … Read More
When on the 18th April the three Navy teams made it a clean sweep for the first time against the Royal Air Force they set up the most enticing prospect of the First, The Second and the Twentieth. Royal Navy … Read More
As the count down to the Army Navy day at Twickenham begins I have published Greg Barden’s Invitational XV. Having only retired himself from XV-a-side rugby last season it naturally contains many players who will be on show on Saturday, … Read More
In February HMS Sultan were announced as one of the 12 Premiership Rugby Pro Winners. The announcement particularly mentioned the efforts of the team: “Winners of this year’s QBE Rugby Pro include the first XV at HMS Sultan and Upton-upon-Severn … Read More
Doc Cox is currently the player / coach of the Royal Navy Mariners, is a former Senior XV coach and also an Inter Service winning head coach of the U23s side. However his coaching CV runs wider than … Read More
For those who know me then you are fully aware of the importance I have always put on performance but I have also stressed and everyone should remember that the Inter Services are all about getting two results and last … Read More
A deserved victory a week after the defeat in France ensured that RN(W)’s well respected Head Coach, Sam Cuff, could reflect on a winning performance in his last home game in charge. Was it a Try Yes or No? The … Read More
Images from the Mariners well worked 25 – 11 victory over the RAF Vultures can be found here. Images From the Game The weather prevented the backs getting much ball but they contributed fully to the win. The Navy … Read More
Senior XV Last night Aaron Hunt became the 698th player to be capped for the Royal Navy Rugby Union. He first played for the Senior XV in 2007, is the holder of 8 caps at U23 level and now becomes … Read More
For nine players Wednesday 11 April 2012 was a very special days has they won their first cap for representing the Royal Navy Rugby Union. Six new caps were awarded at kick off and three more as replacements. Further information … Read More
What is it about Toulon that makes the rugby stadium such a hard place to win? Is it the afternoon sun and the serene marina across the road that lulls the opposition in to a false sense of opportunity. All … Read More
Formalities were Observed As ever the Marine Nationale staged an excellent occassion. Amiral OLiver Lajous and Royal Navy Rugby Union President Admiral Sir Trevor Soar were presented to the teams and after the Quenn and the Marseillaise we were ready. … Read More
First many thanks to my guest correspondent,Tim Bailey, for the following: RAF Back Home The RAF returned to its roots for the first time since 1924; it was the first time since that date that they had played their Inter … Read More
The briefest of updates. Full albums early next week. RC Marine Nationale(F) 60 Royal Navy(W) 5 RC Marine Nationale 24 Royal Navy 3 Pour tous les joueurs, les entraîneurs et le personnel de RCMN (F) et RCMN félicitations et très … Read More
When ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson leads her team on to the pitch today she should be firmly aware that the game is likely to be won and lost in her own domain – the back row. Alongside the Combined Service capped captain of … Read More
The Royal Navy team selected to play the Marine Nationale at RC Toulon’s Stade Mayol has been announced and can be found here. The team is an exciting blend of experience, youth and those new to the famous Navy Blue … Read More
Friday 13 April is the anniversary of the last International played by a man unique in the history of both Navy Rugby and England International Rugby. The match was most appropriately (for this week) France v England. Earlier in the … Read More
Royal Navy teams arrive today. Marine Nationale have enjoyed a week on intense preparation. Match day looms for the eighth meeting of the men and the ‘second’ first meeting of the women’s team. Advertising spotted on a car in Toulon … Read More
Inter Services 2012 The Army have completed their two warm up matches in Brown’s, Portugal with a 31-31 draw agains a Newcastle XV looking to escape the bad weather as they seek to maintain their Aviva Premiership status. For … Read More
Welcome return to Navy colours for newly promoted Sgt Gaz Evans. Very quickly in to his stride in both attack and defence and although he did not last the full eighty minutes he, for my money, was the navy’s … Read More
A couple of answers to earlier questions. Proud Heritage Question 26 March 2012 Which former Navy player was arrested trying to get in to an England v Wales match free of charge at Twickenham and how did he mange to … Read More
This week two great stalwarts of Navy Rugby had their leaving runs as they left the Naval Service and embarked on adventures new. ‘Diamond’ Jim Hunter Jim Hunter is the current holder of Navy Rugby’s Soapy Watson Memorial Trophy and … Read More
They have seen a lot of Ben Clarke at the Recreation Ground, Bath. The former British Lion and 40 cap England International had two stints playing for the club during which time he was also Captain. However at well over … Read More
HMS Sultan squeezed past HMS Heron 14 – 13 in an enthralling cup final at Burnaby Rd. Their two early tries to take a 14 – 3 lead were enough as they defended with great commitment and always looked to … Read More
Before I ask the next question in the quiz the eagled eyed amongst you will note that Bob Armstrong’s Select XV has now been posted and can be viewed by clicking here. For those of you who know Bob you … Read More
The capped Navy player who was also a full England International with the Chariots claim to fame is Captain Geoffrey Sladen DSO DSC Royal Navy. He has been added to the Navy Great Players page and all his details can … Read More
With less than a month before the Senior XV and the RN(W) play their French counter parts in Toulon and Navy Rugby hosting round two of the Inter Services at Burnaby Rd on Wednesday 18th April time for preparations is … Read More
Remember the Cambridge Game? See Varsity Double for an image sequence of Navy winger Andy Vance being caught from behind. Well the sign of a great sportsman is to rise to the challenge and last night he opened the scoring … Read More
Mike Connolly’s Navy Rugby Select XV The first of the invitational dream teams has been selected and can be found on its own page @ ‘Royal Navy Invitational Select XV’. The first side has been chosen by current Navy Mariners Head … Read More
It was long night for the Navy team as once again this fixture provided the crowd with end to end excitement. Both teams selected mix and match sides and neither team could break down each other’s defence for the most … Read More
First of all great to see that the Mariners doubled up the Senior sides win on Wednesday night. You will see that the match report mentions the ‘dream coaching team’ of Mike Connolly, Dave Sibson and Doc Cox. Some experience … Read More
For only the second time in my Naval career (26 years since you ask) the Navy senior side competed the double over the Varsity Blues. If the home win over Oxford (10-0) @ Burnaby Rd was a stop start scratchy … Read More
I have just added three more players to the Navy Rugby Great Players page. They include Dan Parkes, third most capped player of all time, Spencer Brown who some corresponders believe is part of the answer I set below and … Read More
This week sees both the Senior XV and the Mariners continue their preparations for the 2012 Inter Services, their matches against the Royal Air Force and of course the culmination of the season, the Army v Navy match at Twickenham. … Read More
More Success for HMS Sultan They say all good things come in threes. Earlier this season HMS Sultan reached the final of the Navy Rugby’s knockout cup, yesterday they won their regional head of Navy Rugby’s annual 10s competition and … Read More
Navy Rugby’s 2012 competition started yesterday with three regional heats held in Plymouth, Portsmouth and Scotland. At US Portsmouth five teams took part from HMNB Portsmouth HMS Collingwood, HMS Heron, HMS Sultan and the lone ship representative HMS York. A … Read More
As promised the answer to last week’s question about great tackles is Lt Haydn Mainwaring RM. I have added Haydn Mainwaring to the Great Navy Players page with a full description of his tackle on Avril Malan in 1961. I … Read More
Yesterday in the summary of the match I posted one photograph of the covering tackle. Today I have posted the photograph again in the context of the shots I took just before. The try saving tackle set me thinking. Now … Read More
For the full official match report please click here. First outing for the RN and a satisfying one, home win, preventing the opposition from scoring, senior players performing well and youngsters looking to take their chances. Only downside was the injuries … Read More
As with most research, answers are always open to debate. There is anecdotal evidence that the famous Navy and England scrum half of the 1920’s Cecil Kershaw, also played for Oxford University. However this does not seem to be feasible … Read More
Navy Cup – check Inter Command – check U23 Inter Services – check And so another season and another Inter Service campaign starts with the Navy Senior XV taking on Oxford University at the famous Burnaby Road home of US Portsmouth … Read More
