Flying flag for armed forces and Northwest women's rugby
A Military v Cancer event on Saturday 22 June at Newcastle Falcons’s Kingston Park will feature a North Select Men’s XV v UK Armed Forces, with a Northeast Select Women’s XV kicking off the event against the UK Armed Forces Women.
A Military v Cancer event on Saturday 22 June at Newcastle Falcons’s Kingston Park will feature a North Select Men’s XV v UK Armed Forces, with a Northeast Select Women’s XV kicking off the event against the UK Armed Forces Women.
Last year’s inaugural event only featured a men’s match but this year the best women players in the northeast of England will showcase their skills and do battle for the honours. There will also be military displays and a marching band, with a great family atmosphere.
In 2023 the North Select Men won 42-24 in front of a crowd of almost 2,500, and this year, with an exciting women’s match added, they are hoping to top that crowd.
The northeast women will be coached by former England star, Tamara Taylor, who earned 115 international caps and is now one of the RFU’s National Programme Coach Developers.
She says: “Having had a Premiership women’s team in the northeast for a decade, with future England players developing through that team, players now either have to move south or forgo playing at that level. This team is made up of top players nominated by clubs and universities and will show the talent in the area and give them the chance to play at a high level.”
The backroom team is 90% women, and Nicky O’Donnel will referee the women's match.
Steven Colwell, Director of Rugby for Military v Cancer, said: “This match and further opportunities will offer a representative package to women from West Park Leeds, Novocastrians and Bishop Aukland clubs as well as universities in the area. We aim to train once a month and to give them the chance to shine in other matches. With Sunderland hosting the opening event of the 2025 World Cup, we are working with the organisers and hoping to bring opportunities to northeast women players alongside the impact of the home tournament.”
Military v Cancer brings together all three of the military services and commercial partners to help support those with cancer.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for U16s.
