“The Combined Services beat the Barbarians in November and both teams will have plenty of top players available for the crunch match of the year,” said Lt Col Andy Hickling, the Army coach. “It is now down to team preparation, game plans and individual nerve”.

The Royal Navy, despite going down 18-13 in last year’s encounter, scored the game’s only try, in which England international Marine Spencer Brown played a major part. Countering Spencer’s elusive running will again be a major factor in the Army’s game plan.
 
Under new coach Steve Wrigglesworth, the Navy are looking at a more expansive strategy but will, as always, depend on their front five to secure playing ball. Nick Bartlett, currently with the Lydney club, retains the captaincy whilst fellow prop Dan Parkes regularly starts for Plymouth Albion, who are making big waves in National League One. The massive Dale Cross, hugely quick for his 18 stone, can be expected to make his presence felt in the loose and over the hard yards.

The Army’s coach Andy Hickling is upbeat and is focussing on the strengths of the players available . Around the newcomers, old hands Howard Graham and Mal Roberts will provide a firm base for the attacking flair of a lively Fijian contingent Those who follow the Army Navy game will know that the battle is won up front. Fortunately, the Army can call on Scotland’s Mattie Stewart (PWRR) and England A prop Chris Budgen (RWF) for the front row.

The Daily Telegraph labelled the Army Navy match ‘a glorious anachronism that gets bigger by the year’. With so many Corps and clubs holding their annual reunions at Twickenham, the Reds and Blues will not lack support.

This year’s ticket hotline: 01252 334415