British Army men to lean on strong depth as Inter Services challenge looms
The British Army men's rugby union kick off their Inter Services title charge on Sunday against the Royal Navy LIVE on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel.
This week, the team have been preparing for the crunch matches at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield with both the senior and development teams training together.
The men's team haven't won the Inter Services title since 2019, when Kieran Roche's golden point sealed triumph in Aldershot.
A new mentality
The new mentality of 'one team' sees both sides come together for a pool of Army players to pick from and more chances for younger players according to head coach Corporal Leigh Paul-Rientoul.
"Gone are the days now where players are just tipping up and are guaranteed a shirt. We're asking them questions and the players are responding really well," said the Army boss, who takes charge of his first Inter Services in the role this year.
"There's going to be some academy players that will step up that have been with the squad for a couple of seasons.
"They're challenging these senior players for shirts."
The feeling of winning the trophy
It's been a long five years for the Army without the Inter Services title.
The Royal Navy have been dominant in the men's competition since the sport's return from the COVID 19-pandemic but after a shocking defeat to the RAF in match day 1, the title race has been blown wide open.
"It would be an absolute honour [to lift the trophy]," said Army captain Corporal Ryan Watkin.
"That's the main goal for the season. That's all we want to do. There can't be a better feeling [than lifting that trophy]."
How to watch
The Army's clash against the Royal Navy promises to be an Inter Services classic with two teams determined to get a positive result.
You can watch the men's match live from Hull on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel from 15:45 UK time with coverage also available on BFBS TV (for serving personnel only).
Earlier in the day, the Army women's team kick off the defence of their title against the Royal Navy.
That match will also be shown live on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel and BFBS TV (for serving personnel only) from 13:15 UK time.
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