UKAF vs Fiji: British Rugby Side Lose IDRC Final In Japan

The UK Armed Forces (UKAF) rugby union have been unsuccessful in their attempt to win back the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) trophy.

The British side fell at the final hurdle, losing 31-17 to Fiji in the final in Japan.

The players were forced to move from the original final venue, where high winds had destroyed the posts.

The match took place at Camp Narashino, with kick-off delayed by an hour to 7:30am UK time (15:30 local time).

The UKAF players had made it through to the final, following victory over the French military side in the semi-final.

Despite taking an early lead through a James Dixon penalty, UKAF were unable to stop the power and strength of the Fijian players, who scored three tries in the first half, and led 17-3 at the interval.

They added a fourth score just after the restart, but a spirited fightback from UKAF yielded a try for Rob Bell after sustained pressure.

Fiji then scored a fifth, but the last score went to a battered and bruised UKAF when Stu Cross crossed the line.

UKAF head coach, Staff Sergeant Lee Soper told Forces News: "I got to thank [the UKAF players], coming together in a short space of time they showed tremendous courage and heart.

Watch: Monday morning's 2019 International Defence Rugby Competition back in full.

"I feel again we were let down by the officiating, I've got some guys there who've taken some serious knocks from a bit of foul play again.

"There's no point in the touch judges being there.

"I'm not making excuses for that, [Fiji] were a good side.

"The whole way through this tournament it's been poor to be honest, and my lads have taken the full brunt of it."