Chair of the Inter Services Committee, Capt Sarah Oakley (Royal Navy) says that players from the Commonwealth play an important role within Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces rugby, adding depth and breadth to both the sport and cultural experiences of teams and individuals.
Although the British Army is more commonly associated with Commonwealth rugby players, the Royal Navy, too, has a core of players from across the world who have contributed towards the Service winning the 2023 Inter Service Championship title.
Leading the way is Samuel Matavesi. One of the leading players in the country, Matavesi is part of the Northampton Saints squad which sits top of the Premiership, and in 2023 he was a key part of the Fijian team which firstly stunned England at Twickenham before reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter finals.
Setareki Raumakita (Fiji) also caught the eye at Twickenham last season, when scored an eye-catching try against the British Army, showing the experience which he has gained during eight years at National League One outfit, Plymouth Albion.
Also playing in National League One, this time for Taunton Titans, is Ratu Vakalutukali, who moved to the UK to join the Royal Marines in 2010. Vakalutukali has been in the Royal Navy squad for several seasons, and was part of the UK Armed Forces squad which reached the 2019 International Defence Force World Cup final.
Commonwealth representation is not limited to the Pacific Islands. Mitchell Spencer was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and joined the Royal Navy in 2017 upon completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria.
"Players from the Commonwealth have made a significant contribution to Royal Navy rugby for many years, as they have throughout the whole of UK Armed Forces,” commented Capt Oakley. “This is not just in the Inter Service Championship, but at individual Unit and Ship level, too. They always bring something different, from both a rugby and cultural perspective, which adds depth to the sporting and lived experience of our personnel.
"Of the current group we are always proud to see Sam Matavesi represent the Royal Navy when he plays for Fiji; he is a superb ambassador for the Royal Navy and Navy rugby."
The Inter Service Championship sees the Royal Navy go head-to-head with the British Army and Royal Air Force for the right to be crowned the champion Service team.
This year’s fixtures are:
Royal Navy v Royal Air Force | Sat 20/04/24 | Brickfields Stadium, Plymouth | Tickets at www.plymouthalbion.com/tickets
British Army v Royal Navy | Sat 04/05/24 | Twickenham Stadium | Tickets at www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu
Pic: Alligin Photography