The Army v Navy Rugby Match - Saturday 2nd May 2009

DARK BLUES FIRED UP FOR TWICKENHAM BUT THE ARMY SEEKS STRAIGHT EIGHT WIN

Saturday 2 May 2009 at Twickenham Stadium

This year’s Babcock Inter-Services Rugby Union Championship is launched when the Army takes on the Royal Air Force at Aldershot on Wednesday 15 April.

This is swiftly followed by the clash between the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force at Newbury on Wednesday 22 April.  Last year the Royal Navy beat the RAF convincingly by 67-12 in a tough match played at Portsmouth.  The matelots savoured victory with an astonishing array of tries and they want another decisive win against the RAF to get them off to a flying start in preparation for their meeting with the Army at Twickenham.

The annual battle which is the Army v Navy match played for the Babcock Trophy takes place at Twickenham Stadium, home of England rugby, on Saturday 2 May.  Last year the Army extended their winning streak against the Royal Navy with a seventh consecutive victory but the Dark Blues put up a good fight.  Josh Drauniniu and Royal Marine Greg Barden are both current members of the England Sevens squad and will be looking to make their mark once again.

However, the Reds are freshly returned from training camp in South Africa and will be looking for an eighth consecutive win to set a new Army record.  Truly a clash of giants beckons.

Last year Twickenham drew a record crowd of over 50,000.  We expect no less this time.  Passionate supporters from both sides will once again ensure that a phenomenal party atmosphere rings around the stadium.

‘More than just a rugby match', the Army Navy Match is a full day of rugby.  Preceding the main event there is a match between the Combined Services U23s v England Students U23s and the final rounds of the exciting HSBC Schools Rugby Festival.   In another first, and adding to the pre match entertainment programme this year we are delighted to welcome Classic Brit Award Winners, Blake, who will be performing on the pitch before kick off.  We are also joined by the Band of HM Royal Marines.


Our Charity of the Day this year is Help for Heroes.  There will be bucket collections throughout the day so please give generously if you can.  The Army Navy Match Committee has also announced that from the sale of every programme sold we will donate £1 direct to H4H.  Please join us in supporting this wonderful cause.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are £20 and £18 for adults and just £10 for juniors. 

Family tickets are a bargain at £40 (2 adults, 2 children). 

Book through Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2492 or at www.ticketmaster.co.uk 

For more information about the day, visit www.armynavymatch.org.uk

“ Last year 52,000 people turned out at Twickenham to cheer along teams made up of rugby legends and Service players ... And raised £1.4m for Help for Heroes. This year we have a chance to recreate the atmosphere of that unique occasion by supporting the Army and Navy match and again raise much needed funds for our wounded Servicemen and women. We are extremely grateful that the organisers of the famous Army and Navy match have decided to support H4H with the bucket collection and we ask everyone to come along, have a wonderful day out and help us help our heroes.”

Bryn Parry
Co Founder Help for Heroes