Inter Services Rugby League
Army RL Competitions 3 of 6

3. Inter Services Rugby League


On 11 May 1994 the first clash between the Army and the Royal Air Force, took place at Leigh RLFC. The Army was victorious in a closely fought game winning 24-22. During the following 5 year period the Army never lost an inter-service clash drawing once in 1996 and winning the other four. The Team was coached by Dave Ellis (French RU Defence Coach) and Kevin Tameti (Kiwi International) and managed by Cpl Martin Coyd RE.

The Royal Navy joined the Inter-Services Tournament for the first time in 1998 to see all 3 services competing at a representative level. The Army was the inaugural Champions beating the RAF 28-14 at Uxbridge on 1 May 98 and the Royal Navy 42-14 on 9 May 98 at Aldershot. The Army Team was coached by Rick Rolt and managed by WO1 Mick Scholes RE.

The Royal Navy had to wait until 29 Sep 04 to see their first victory against the Army which they repeated for the following 2 seasons until the Army returned the Jack Harrison trophy to its rightful place on 7 Sep 07 winning 18-8 in front of a hostile crowd at Portsmouth. The Team was coached by Sgt Sean Fanning and managed by Captain Rich Naivalurua.

Many twists and turns continue albeit it should be noted that rugby league is predominately one of the toughest and closest results-based sports within the services as outlined below:

TeamPlayedWDLFADiffPoints
Army RL5937319129098630493
RAFRL582123510221268-24677
RNRL5123127922984-6273