27062026 Army lift Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy Credit BFBS 1.jpg — The Army retain the Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy for 2026

Rugby League

Army rugby league have impressive day in Warrington with three superb performances

29th June 2026 at 10:12am

British Army rugby league celebrated Armed Forces Day in style with three fantastic matches at Crosfields ARLFC in Warrington.

The now-traditional Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy clash saw the Army's senior men's team deliver a fantastic 42-20 win over a Crosfields select team.

Before that, the Army's development team beat the Royal Marines by a large 46-6 score and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment beat the Mercian Regiment 42-10 to win the Coleridge Cup.

Speaking about the annual event in Warrington, Army head coach Corporal Leigh Paul-Rientoul said: "It just builds year on year. To back it up from last year, two victories for the academy and senior team. It puts us in good stead for the Inter Services.

"[The development team] were like a brand-new team for us today, giving players an opportunity to get picked for Inter Services so really, really pleased with that. We still have a lot to work on, but we've found a few hidden gems there.

"The Coleridge Cup always is physical. Last year, it was the Yorkshire Regiment against the LANCS and that's what it is. It's just car crashes everywhere and carnage, but the spectators like it so, hopefully, that will continue year on year.

"It was very frustrating at times in that senior game. We scored some fantastic tries but we have to earn the right to play and play in the right areas.

"We know we can go away and work on that and improve for the Inter Services. Between both teams, nearly 90 points scored so really happy with that."

Captain Ben Ward was the Army's team captain for the match and had a message for their Inter Services rivals saying: "We're here to play rugby and we're here to win. That's something we'll look to do in the Inter Services as well."