New captain but same expectations as Army women aim for 15th consecutive Inter Services title
Could the British Army women's rugby league team make it 15 straight Inter Services titles in 2024?
Their dominance over women's forces rugby league has been a mainstay since the sport's inception and another victory this year would continue their legacy.
Standing in their way are determined Royal Navy and Royal Air Force teams starting with an Army v Navy clash in Hull on Sunday live on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel from 13:15 UK time.
A new captain
For the first time in a number of years, the Army have a new leader on the pitch.
Emily White has stepped down from captain's duties and Lance Bombardier Elise Townsend, a previous member of the team's leadership circle, has been appointed to the role.
"It's been a huge responsibility," said LBdr Townsend. "But I think being a player and then moving on to being captain, it's just been a lot easier to get into the swing of things.
"Emily was amazing last year and I always said when I got captain that she'd be so hard to beat.
"But all the girls have just been amazing and it's an honour, really, to be captain."
A mixed season so far
Part of the Army's challenge in a season is to take on teams in the Women's Championship South.
Games against London Broncos and Cardiff Demons were difficult tasks and resulted in heavy defeats as the Army dealt with squad selection issues amid a growing need for personnel in the service.
Despite an impressive growth in 2023, the development team was shelved due to the squad selection issues and the Championship South semi-final was forfeited.
However, the squad are pleased with the arrivals from last year's successful development team.
Revealing their game plan
As expected, with the history of winning and quality attacking players, head coach Sergeant Adam Coburn is in confident mood ahead of the Navy test.
In an interview with BFBS Forces News, he was happy to reveal the Army's tactical game plan.
"I firmly believe we're going to have some really big hits and some fast play from us," said Sgt Coburn.
"We're planning on upping the game significantly and speeding the play up. The ball is going to be shipped wide most of the time.
"I'm not worried about telling that to anyone and it's just how you are going to react to it. We will wait and see."
How to watch
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.
The Army men'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 15:45pm UK time with coverage also available on BFBS TV (for serving personnel only).
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