By Simon Mills, RFU London & South East Regional Press Officer

Defence industry giants Babcock are the new sponsors of the annual Army v Royal Navy game. And tickets are now on sale for the clash between the soldiers and sailors at Twickenham on Saturday May 3 (3pm).

This year the battle for the Babcock Trophy will be the centrepiece of a day of rugby, with the Combined Services U21 side also taking on England Students and the final stages of the National Emerging Schools Festival. Babcock are one of the leading suppliers of support services to the forces, whose work includes refitting ships, managing military bases and training personnel.

“Babcock are delighted to have this opportunity to sponsor the Army v Navy game at Twickenham,” said Managing Director Kevin Thomas. “Twickenham is always a great occasion and the competition and camaraderie shown in the Inter Service Championship makes it a special event as well as, hopefully, a superb game of rugby.”

Last season’s game attracted more than 40,000 spectators, who watched the Army win 18-13. Tickets to this year’s game cost £15 (£7 for concessions). To book call 0870 902000 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Both sides have high-profile warm-up games. The Army are embarking on a tour to New Zealand and Australia, while the Navy will be taking on the Irish Defence Force on the eve of England’s RBS Six Nations visit
to Dublin.

ROYAL NAVY FIXTURES:
Feb 26 v Rugby Lions (A, 7.30pm)
Mar 12 v Coventry (A, 7.30pm)
Mar 19 v Esher (A, 7.30pm)
Mar 29 v Irish Defence Force (A)
Apr 2 v Plymouth Albion (A, 7.30pm)
Apr 9 v Royal Air Force (at Newbury, 7.30pm)
Apr 16 v Hampshire (Portsmouth RFC, 7.30pm)
Apr 30 v Worcester (A, 7.30pm)
May 3 v Army (Twickenham 3pm)
 
ARMY FIXTURES:
Feb 26 v Harlequins (Aldershot, 7.30pm)
Mar 7-30 Australia & New Zealand tour
Apr 7 v Northampton (A)
Apr 15 v Wasps (Aldershot, 7.30pm)
Apr 23 v Royal Air Force (Aldershot, 7.30pm)
May 3 v Royal Navy (Twickenham 3pm)