UKAF Want 'Nice Win' In IDRC Semi-Final In Memory Of RAF Rugby Player

The head coach of the UKAF rugby union side wants his side to win their International Defence Rugby Cup (IDRC) semi-final match in memory of Senior Aircraftman (Technician) Scott Stevenson.

RAF full-back SAC Stevenson was stretchered off with a head injury in an Inter Services match against the Army on Friday evening and later died in hospital.

A number of tributes have been paid to the 25-year-old, including by the head of UKAF Rugby League, Dave Groce.

UKAF rugby union head coach, Staff Sergeant Lee Soper, has also expressed his sadness at the news and says he hopes his side can beat the French military side and reach the final in Japan in memory of SAC Stevenson.

"It was a big shock to us the following morning and a couple of the boys in the team knew Scott quite well, so we've been just making sure that the welfare of the lads here in our team is ok," said SSgt Soper.

"Deep down, we can't do anything to help the family, but we will go out there and do our best.

"We just want to go out there and get a nice win for Scott and do our best to make him proud."

SSgt Soper also passed his condolences on to SAC Stevenson's family.

The UKAF head coach will lead his team into a final against either New Zealand's Defence Blacks or the Fijian Forces should they beat the French.

The semi-final kicks off at 3:30am UK time (11:30am local time in Japan).