Two great games, one fierce rivalry
Saturday will see the first time that the Army v Navy match for women as well as men is played at Twickenham Stadium.
The men’s match kicks off at 2pm and the women’s at 4:30pm, and rugby fans and Services supporters will be intent on watching the greatest Services sporting rivalry continue as it enters its second century at Twickenham.
Everything to play for
With both Inter Service titles on the line and two Babcock Trophies to be won, the event having been delayed by the pandemic when many servicemen and women mobilised in support of the nation, this will be a terrific event.
The first men’s game was played in 1878, moving to Twickenham in 1920. The women’s series started in 2003 and now, for the first time, will be played as a double-header at the Home of England Rugby. The 2 May 2020 was to have been a double celebration for Army Navy rugby, one hundred years since the men’s game moved to Twickenham Stadium, and the women’s debut there. It may have been delayed but fans will be out in force.
Over recent seasons the men’s match has been hotly contested. The Army lifted the trophy with a 27-11 victory in their last Twickenham outing. It was 22-14 in 2018 and 29-20 in 2017 but the match ended in a 29-29 draw in 2016.
On Saturday the Army women will be intent on maintaining their unbeaten record again the Navy but their opposition has a young and exciting team which includes their No 8 Jess Bryan who converted from rugby league. One of the Army women to watch is Bethan Dainton, who plays for Harlequins and Wales.
In the men’s encounter look out for outstanding performances from the Navy’s Sam Matavesi of Northampton Saints and Fiji and the Army’s Semesa Rokoduguni of England and Bath Rugby.
The Army Navy Match is back, with twice the rugby and a chance to cheer on four teams.
