Army focusing on 'putting things right' in RAF Challenge Cup tie after Inter Services

The British Army will hope home advantage can help them avenge the heartbreak of last year's title-deciding Inter Services defeat to the Royal Air Force in rugby league's Betfred Challenge Cup.

The sides go head to head in Aldershot for what is arguably the most eye-catching clash in the first round of this year's competition in a rearranged clash, after the first match was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The Air Force clinched the Inter Services title in September – their first IS crown in eight years.

• RAF prepared for 'tough test' against Army in their Challenge Cup opener
• Challenge Cup: All eyes on Army v RAF first-round tie in Aldershot
• Two stars of women's military rugby league sign for Huddersfield Giants

The Army's Men's Senior Team head coach, Corporal Leigh Paul-rientoul, told BFBS Sport: "I think it makes it more special with us playing the RAF.

"Coming off the back of Inter Services, we've got a lot to rectify and the squad are really keen on putting things right with that. I think that makes it a little bit more special.

"It's difficult coming off the back of a Christmas leave… so usually we struggle to get players but we're not struggling this year, so hopefully we can put a great performance in on Saturday."

It is the second consecutive year that two military teams have faced each other in the Challenge Cup after the Royal Navy beat the RAF 28-22 in the first round of the tournament last year.

Army Captain and dual code star Mikey McDonald said: "I think it's good to have an Inter Service game in the Challenge Cup, obviously, big rivals, and I think we owe them one after Inter Services last year, so it's going to be a tough game."

On the announcement of his captaincy, McDonald spoke of his pride: "I didn't expect it, obviously very honoured and grateful to be named captain and to be captain in my first Challenge Cup game is a massive deal for me".

The Army are fully aware of the threat from their military opponents, and Paul-rientoul told BFBS: "They've improved massively over the last two years whilst I've been involved in Army rugby league and it's great to see that and there's not just one team dominating out of all three services.

"We need to get back up there and put ourselves back in the mix of being winners, not only Challenge Cup, but we're aiming at the end product of being Inter Service champions."

The skipper explained how his men are hoping to put the light blues under pressure: "With a lot of intensity, keep the tempo up, we've been training well this week, put a few new game plans in play and I think we'll put a good performance in on Saturday."

This weekend's clash will be shown live on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel and on BFBS TV for serving personnel only.

Coverage begins at 1:45pm UK time.