27 November 2019

Army women v Royal Navy women to be played at Twickenham for the first time to celebrate landmark year for Service Rugby

The Army Women and Royal Navy Women's rugby sides will play at Twickenham for the first time in 2020 to mark 100 years of the Service Rugby Championship.

The annual women's match was established in 2003 but has, until now, been played at different venues to the men's, including Kneller Hall (adjacent to Twickenham) and HMS Excellent in Portsmouth. 

The men's game, however, has been held at the famous stadium since its inauguration in 1920, with the exclusion of the World War II years.

Royal Navy player Susan Badger was thrilled with the announcement. She said: "Every day in my Naval role I work with sailors who are recovering from injury and I know that having a goal is essential to the success of that process. 

"It is the same for me with rugby and for all of the Royal Navy squad. So many have worked so hard to grow the women’s game in the Royal Navy for over 20 years and now finally to have the opportunity to play at Twickenham is just fantastic.”

Her thoughts were echoed by the Army's Sarah Mimnagh who is also an Ireland International. 

"Playing international rugby is amazingly special, but to be able to represent my Service at Twickenham Stadium as well really is a unique and humbling opportunity," she said.

She added: "Wearing the Army red has always filled me with immense pride. It is going to be a great day.”

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