Rugby Union

Mark Williams keen to lead from front as new RAF men's rugby union captain

WATCH: Find out more about the RAF's captain for 2025.

If the RAF men's rugby union team are going to leave Kingsholm Stadium on May 17 with the Inter Service championship, it's likely that Corporal Mark Williams would have played a big part.

He was a key figure for the RAF in their match against the Navy last year but missed out on the Army fixture before starring for the UK Armed Forces in their summer win over the North of England Select XV.

This season has saw him become even more of a figurehead for the Air Force and taking the captain's armband.

He's also in top form after bagging a hat-trick of tries against the British Police at Sixways Stadium in February and hopes to lead with action on the pitch at the cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

He said: "I'm looking to lead by example on the pitch. We've got many boys, experienced boys, who are going to get us up for the game and my job is to lead us on the pitch by the way we play.

"There's a big wave of emotions during the week and highs and lows that we've already experienced.

"You've got to control them and make sure you're ready to go for the Saturday peaking at the right time."

This year's RAF v Navy fixture marks the first time Inter Service rugby comes to home of Northampton Saints and it's a venue that has Williams excited to play at.

"I'm super excited," said the forward. "I've never played there but I've heard brilliant things from some of the lads that have.

"I've got some family coming down to watch and they're really looking forward to the day. Hopefully, we get some good weather and get the result we want."

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