The women's team walk out on Twickenham for a historic first appearance. Credit Alligin Photography Date 30042022.jpg — The women's Inter Services made history in 2022 when the Army v Navy match was played at Twickenham Stadium for the first time (Picture: Alligin Photography)

Rugby Union

Service rugby unions to award retrospective caps for all Inter Services women's appearances

The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force rugby unions have announced that they will be retrospectively awarding caps for previous Inter Services women's competitions.

The women's tournament was started back in 2003, but caps were only introduced in 2008.

The decision means that every Inter Services match will be recognised as a capped match, bringing the history of the Armed Forces' women's rugby in line with the men's game.

Brigadier James Cook OBE, the chair of Army rugby union, told the ARU website: "Rugby across the military has taken great strides in recent years to achieve parity between the Senior Men's and Senior Women's teams.

"We were proud to watch our Senior Women run out at Kingsholm and Twickenham for the first time when the Inter Service Championship resumed after the Covid lockdowns.

"Nevertheless there is still plenty of work to do, and we believe that having the three Service Unions adopt the same policy of awarding caps to every woman who has played in the Inter Service Championship reflects our continued proactive approach.

"I am delighted that this move has happened, and am looking forward to welcoming our past players to Sandhurst in November."