Rugby League Double-Header Announced As Navy Withdraw From Competition

Military rugby league will return in September – but without the Royal Navy.

An RAF v Army double-header has been announced after the Senior Service decided to withdraw from the Inter Services competition due to COVID-19 concerns and player availability.

The two matches announced will take place in Featherstone on 17 September and Warrington on 2 October and teams will play for the Wing Commander Nick Mawson Memorial Trophy.

In a statement, the Navy said: "Due to COVID-19 constraints and significant player unavailability, RNRL (Royal Navy Rugby League) has taken the decision to withdraw from IS 2021.

"Despite this difficult decision, all at RNRL are committed to getting all three of our teams back on the field in competitive action as soon as possible."

The men's, women's and development teams will take part in the Army v RAF competition.

Cover image: The Army retain the Inter Services rugby league title in 2019.