Royal Navy rugby union team suffer disappointing Richmond defeat

The Royal Navy have suffered a heavy defeat away to Richmond just over six weeks away from their Inter Services opener.

The Senior Service face the RAF on 9 April but failed to gain momentum in a 46-12 defeat in Richmond.

They will look to bounce back with big fixtures against Exeter Braves and the French Marine Nationale coming up.

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A shocking start from the military side gave Richmond a big early lead as they ran in three tries in the first 20 minutes.

Connor Bick pulled a try back for the Navy and Navy skipper Jarrard Hayler also got on the scoresheet in the first half.

However, the Navy failed to stop the rampaging Richmond attackers in the second half who won the match after scoring eight tries over the 80 minutes.

Elsewhere, the Navy women's team were also on the losing end in a 25-10 defeat to Hampshire.