Rugby Union

British Army men's rugby win USA Military battle to mark Armistice Day with victory

UK beats USA: British Army men's rugby win USA Military battle

The British Army men's rugby union team have won their Remembrance clash against the touring USA Military team in Aldershot.

Five tries from five different scorers helped the British side to a 31-12 victory on Armistice Day.

However, the USA team will take pride in a much-improved showing from 2024 and a second half that saw them push the Army to the limit.

After a brilliant pre-match presentation that included a respectful performance of The Last Post and bone-chilling renditions of the British and American national anthems, it was the home team who got into their groove from the start.

Mikey McDonald, who has been a successful dual-code star for the Army, persevered through the tackle to dive over the line and Jack Johnson added the extras for a 7-0 Army lead.

Vereimi Qorowale was in top form for the UK Armed Forces against Germany last week and he followed that up with the second try of the game here. It was a typically quick, powerful carry from the Fijian that got him to the try line for a 12-0 lead.

11112025 Poppies at Army rugby Credit Alligin Photography.jpg — The international contest was the perfect way to mark Armistice Day for the British Army men's rugby union team (Picture: Alligin Photography

A superb Army first half continued and Johnson had a big part to play in the Army's third try when he never gave up a loose kick and it led to Dylan Morris dotting down. Johnson also converted to make it 19-0 at the break.

However, the second half saw the Americans fight back. Ryan Leonard was the beneficiary of an odd moment as his line-out rebounded back into his path and he dived over for a try that was eventually given after some discussion.

The Army furthered their lead through Oni Nayaga's try and Johnson's conversion but, once again, the USA team pushed back into the contest as James Irey barrelled over from close range. Logan Legg's conversion halved the deficit at 24-12.

The visiting side pushed forward in the search for another try, but it left gaps at the back, and the sizzling pace of Adriu Muritoki took advantage to score a try on the counter with Johnson adding the extras for a 31-12 score.

Despite some more American pressure, the British Army held on to take the bragging rights in this rivalry for the second straight year.