March to Twickenham 2009
Senior XV Match Reports - Season 2008-2009

Inter-Services Championship 2009 Army (50) v Royal Navy (7) Twickenham - 2 May 09

Army take Babcock battle in style

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Army slapped a thick layer of icing on the seasonal cake when they over-ran the Navy by 50pts-7 before a record crowd of 55,800 at Twickenham. The Reds were hot favourites to take their eighth successive BABCOCK crown but this victory, more than numbers, was delivered with guile and panache.

The Navy was certainly not overawed at the prospect of playing what is probably the best prepared Army squad in twenty years. Indeed they had their moments early on but the Army defence responded with characteristic vigour. Skipper Mark Lee led his cohorts into point blank contact, and the Army had only to wait four minutes to show their metal and stimulate the scoreboard crew.

A fiery ruck allowed Fiji international Jack Prasad to break left where he found scrum half Ian Martin steaming up in support. Martin's great opening try was converted by Mal Roberts.

Minutes later line-out specialist Rob Sugden took one off the top to feed No8 Ben Hughes. Hughes gave an impression of having started his charge near Waterloo station and there was no stopping this particular train.

Individually the Navy side played their hearts out but were unable to gain any momentum. After Plans A and B had failed the tank was empty. The Army seldom allowed the ball to reach the England 7s international Josh Drauniniu who remained on the wing burning a long fuse.

It didn’t help that Navy fly half Lloyd, seemingly as a ploy, hoofed hard won possession miles into the air where it could do no harm. Not so, of course, when it came down into the arms of the Reds back three, Barbarian Mal Roberts, Malakai Magnus and Gus Qasevakatini-- and the fireworks started again.

Roberts, the old Twickenham head on a very fit body, Magnus who has made the wing berth his own in very short time and Qasevakatini, stepped up from Academy rugby, crafted a masterful attacking game which stretched the matelots defence beyond breaking point. It was poor return for the Navy forwards who had their work cut out to salvage anything from Chris Budgen and Melvyn Lewis.

Twelve minutes into this clash the Army was firmly in the driving seat with Chris Budgen again revving up the front five with a full tank of fuel. The set pieces were solid, Matt Dwyer delivered precision ball for the jumpers while Rob Sugden and Darrell Ball soared to the point of in-flight refuelling.

With such a solid platform the back row had a field day in attack and sometimes in defence. Ben Hughes and Apo Satala rampaged across Twickenham tundra before providing a further focus for Budgen & Co to ruck, maul and deliver to eager backs.

Andy Price announces Army team to face the Royal Navy

We are so pleased to have the same starting XV as played against Villagers in SA and against the RAF. It gives us the consistency and gel that will give us an advantage going to Twickenham on Saturday.

The 2 changes on the bench bring a great impact and attacking force to the squad. Maku Koroyaidi is a great carrier and is efficient at the breakdown, he will add value when he enters the fray. Matthew Saulailai will win his first cap when he comes off the bench and brings a 7s flair to the attack when he plays.

Our congratulations go to Chris Budgen, who wins his 25th cap on Saturday. He has been a great servant to army rugby. He brings an unrivaled professionalism to training and a tough mental edge to game time. We hope he will cap this occasion with another try at Twickenham.

It is only right that I mention the unlucky 5 members of the squad that have missed out on the match day 22. The selection process has been difficult and even though not selected, the guys bring so much to training and help the teams preparation. Their professionalism is first class and they remain key to our success.

Army Senior XV

Army (31) v Launceston RFC (11)
22 Apr 09

1. Warren Ross-Allen
2. Rob Scothern
3. Ken Dowding
4. Chris Scarf
5. Rob Sugden
6. Dave Bates
7. Gareth Libbey
8. Maku Koroyaidi
9. Tom Chennell
10. Ceri Cummings
11. Kenasi Maritiro
12. Matthew Saulaila
13. Gerhard Wessels
14. Gus Quasavacatini
15. Mal Roberts (Capt)

16. Matt Dwyer
17. Melvyn Lewis
18. Darrell Ball
19. Mark Lee
20. Ian Martin
21. Jack Prasad
22. Dan Cootes
23. Malakai Magnus

Posted 21 Apr 09

Inter-Services Championship 2009 Army (38) v RAF (3) Aldershot - 15 Apr 09

Army firepower downs Air Force

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Army had this sewn up early although on 5 minutes they had lost a talismanic player to a mysterious red card and found themselves three points adrift. Despite the setback the Airmen had already tasted too much rapid fire and their body language was all wrong. It was just a matter of numericals and time.

Playing with only seven forwards for 75 minutes the Army destroyed an Air Force side that would have made the likes of Rory Underwood and Paul Hull shudder. From the kick off the Reds were inventive and although a couple of passes did not go as smoothly as they might have done on the training park the speed of thought and foot were all the evidence one needed.

The opening try of eleven Army touchdowns went to Army doctor Paul Gittins who has developed a 'never say stop' attitude to being blocked off. Time and again he powered through would-be tackles. Before the Light Blue support arrived, he delivered the sweetest of off-loads. On 15 minutes he kept his feet, kept running and kept the ball to touch down close in.

In a night of 'excellents' Jack Prasad, who has nine Fiji caps, did a song and dance routine to score out right. Right wing Malakai Magnus followed suit as did Gus Qasevakatini on the left with a brace. No6 Apo Satala also bagged himself a brace after frequently splitting the defence asunder to mount attacks from ruck and maul.

Interspersed with all this frippery came three great tries from the trenches. Firstly hooker Matt Dwyer supported the ball for 40 m to crash over. Not to be out-done loose head prop Melvyn Lewis landed under the posts from 45m out and to cap it replacement tight head Warren Ross Allan sprinted, jinked and thundered over from 50m. Undoubtedly THE champagne moment.

Hard to name a man of the match but at the end of the evening full back Mal Roberts was presented with this 25th Army cap. Only once achieved previously in the 102 years of Army rugby Mal was in the thick of the action scoring a great try, coming up just short after a brilliant half-field surge and for great measure he also kicked ten points in conversions.

Coach WO2 Andy Price of the Welsh Guards said at the end:

"I am proud of how the boys responded to the red card which could have been a massive psychological blow. Everyone took on that bit extra, skipper Mark Lee led the boys out of the trenches and at no time did I think it necessary to change the game plan-which was to run and keep on running. The score at 67pts -11 may have been emphatic but I put their feet straight back on the ground. The Navy at Twickenham on 2 May will be a different kettle of fish."

Army Team
1. Melvyn Lewis, 2. Matt Dwyer, 3. Chris Budgen, 4. Rob Sugden, 5. Darrell Ball, 6. Apolosi Satala, 7. Mark Lee (Capt), 8. Ben Hughes, 9. Ian Martin, 10. Jack Prasad [NC], 11. Malakai Magnus, 12. Paul Gittins, 13. Gerhard Wessels, 14. Gus Quasavacatini [NC], 15. Mal Roberts

16. Rob Scothern, 17. Warren Ross-Allen, 18. Chris Scarf, 19. Dave Bates [NC], 20. Tom Chennel [NC], 21. Ceri Cummings [NC], 22. Danny Cootes

[NC] - Denotes New Cap

Posted: 17 Apr 09

Andy Price announces Army team to face the RAF
Aldershot - 15 April 2009

The training camp has gone exceptionally well. With two outstanding wins in South Africa, we now go into the Inter-Services unbeaten. We were fortunate to have a fully fit squad to select from, it has been a difficult task as all the players have pushed hard to be selected. Mark Lee will again lead his men from the front against the RAF on 15 April 2009.

We are delighted that there are 5 uncapped players in the 22. 4 players are products of the ARU Academy, which it testimony to the good development work being done at age group level in the army. The 5th uncapped player is Fijian International outside half Jack Prasad. Jack has settled into the squad quickly and brings a big personality as well as mercurial talent. He is a player to watch in the forth coming Inter-Services, I am sure he will light up the competition and entertain the crowds.

This announcement is particularly significant for two players who have been the cornerstones of Army rugby this century. Mal Roberts will win his 25th Army cap - a feat only achieved by one individual, Ben Hughes, in the 102 year history of Army rugby. Chris Budgen will win his 24th cap hoping to achieve the quarter century landmark at Twickenham. Both are talismanic players and we salute you for all that you have achieved personally and added to the name of Army rugby with such great style.

Chris Budgen

New Zealander Chris Budgen has served with the Royal Welsh Regiment in Iraq and more recently in Afghanistan. He played a major part in the 2nd Battalion's retention of the Army Premiership Cup in 2008 taking charge of a game that was not going to plan. Back from the World's hotspots Chris now plays with the Exeter Chiefs. His thundering runs and head down determination to drive the ball forward provide a focal point for the Army pack to ruck and maul. He played for England 'A' and is a veteran of 23 Army caps - formidable for a front row forward.

Mal Roberts

Mal Roberts is a hugely experienced rugby player who has worn the Red’s shirt with great distinction for the past nine seasons during which time he has accumulated 24 Army caps. He was skipper for six seasons, including the prestigious Centenary Year and the tour to Australia and New Zealand. He twice captained a winning Combined Services team against the Barbarians. He has also played for the Barbarians and England Counties. Following a posting to 29 Commando Regiment RA Mal plays for the Launceston club. With a green beret and 24 Army caps in his kitbag already - tonight’s the night !.

Match will be held at Aldershot - 15 Apr 2009 - KO 1900hrs

Posted: 11 Apr 09

Senior Squad - South African Training Camp
27 March - 11 April 2009

The Army Senior Squad depart on Friday (27th March) for their annual training camp to Cape Town, South Africa. The 15 day training camp will again be centered at the world-class facilities at The Western Province Cricket Club, Newlands.

The Training Camp will include 2 fixtures against Villager RFC and Stellenbosch University.

Director of Senior Rugby - Andy Price has named 10 uncapped players in his 28 man training squad. Price commented:

"Five of the uncapped players have all come from this year's U23 Inter-Service winning squad, which is testimony to the Academy staff and coaches who are developing these players rapidly through to the Senior team. And with Maku Koroyaidi and Isoa Damudamu to come into the squad for the Inter-Services, this is the strongest squad I have had in my tenure"

As well as new blood there is plenty of experience. 26 times capped Ben Hughes is again in the party, as well as Mal Roberts and Chris Budgen, with 24 and 23 caps respectively. The team is again led by (new Barbarian) Mark Lee. The squad boasts 2 full Fijian Internationals, Apo Satala and Jack Prasad. As well as 3 full time rugby professionals.

The Army team travel to SA unbeaten with wins against: Plymouth Albion (24-12), Cambridge University (45-0), Breconshire and Worcester (18-12) and a draw with Premiership side Saracens (17-17).

The Squad

* - Uncapped player

Follow the progress of the Team in South Africa on the ARU Web site.

Posted: 21 Mar 09

Army XV (17) v Saracens (17)
St Albans - 25 Feb 09

Match of the day - Top draw

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

Territorially the Army were under the cosh for the first quarter as the Sarries launched successive attacks at what proved to be, for most of the time, the thick Red's line. The Army's organization of the defence and tackling were magnificent. Tackling was literally 'last ditch'-as the last defender launched himself at the last attacker. The Sarries were forced to recycle the ball, which they did, but were again held up short. Maybe the players, in the maelstrom, did not have the time to notice but after a twenty minutes fierce defensive battle some senior Sarries became somewhat frustrated. The defensive pressures bit deep into their professional psyche.

Prasad, with a Sevens heritage, has an amazingly long pass on the run. Mal Roberts, playing in his club position at centre, and Gerhard Wessels had space to manoeuvre , both were effective, and as the tide started at least to turn, both made inroads into the Sarries’ defence.

The Sarries wingers were quick and local pundits suggested Dan Caprice would gain future representative honours. Maybe, but Malakai Magnus and Semesa Rokodunguni caused them all sorts of problems. Both have speed and both can change a linear attack into a delightful angle away from the cover.

Before half time it was the black shirted Sarries turning for finger tip tackles. It may have been Nil-All at the break but just about as far as you can imagine from a stale-mate.

Sarries opened the second half with an excellent try when Caprice seized on a marginal overlap to score in the corner. The Army could have responded, or not, in one of two ways. They took Option A and drove and drove at their professional opposition. Time and again the Red shirts emerged from ruck and maul with the ball in hand, drove a couple of metres more before another Red's shirt willingly took over the responsibility

Before a good crowd, skipper Mark Lee led from the 'P' of Point with Dave Bates and Darrell Ball in close attendance. In truth the back row were boshing like props and the front row were running like the wind-for props!

Early in the second half hooker Rob Scothern forged down the right wing to set up an excellent ruck. Now on the front foot confidence grew and with the first twenty minutes forgotten the excellent Dave Bates stormed through and over. Full back

James Balfrey in his first 2009 game for the Army converted to give the Reds a 7pts-5 lead.

Sarries' Ed Thrower scored a 'crowd pleaser' (10pts-7) but even more spectacular prop Melvyn Lewis did the 'come dancing' bit for 40m down the left wing. Marginally less good looking than John Sargent he spun off would be partners like confetti. A superb individual effort converted by James Balfrey. ( 10pts-14).

At the close an alert Sarries George Kruis crossed from a 'tap and go' (17pts-14) only for Balfrey, at the very whistle, to slot a truly pressure penalty. A draw was a remarkable result as both sides had come back three times to take the lead.

Coach Andy Price (Welsh Guards) said:

"Every player out there tonight knew they were playing for their Red's shirt at Twickenham and my goodness didn't they all fight tooth and nail. The atmosphere in the dressing room and in training is electric and injured players are making the journey to stand on the touchline to make sure they are not forgotten. As a coach I couldn't ask for anything more".

The Sarries were a very well drilled team, a scoring draw was an excellent result.

Army Team: James Balfrey (R Welsh) Semesa Rokodunguni (RSDG) Gerhard Wessels (RE) Mal Roberts (RLC) Malakai Magnus (RLC) Jack Prasad (Scots) Tom Chennell (REME) Ken Dowding (RHA) Matt Dwyer (WG) Chris Budgen (R Welsh) Ben Hughes (RE) Rob Sugden (Coldm Gds) Mark Lee (ALS) Darrell Ball (RE) Dave Bates (R Signals)

Replacements: Melvyn Lewis (WG) for Dowding (20) Chris Scarf (WG) for Bates (52) Rob Scothern (AGC) for Dwyer (55) Maciu Saulailai (RSDG) for Roberts (70)

Read Saracen's version of events at: www.saracens.com/

Posted: 27 Feb 09

Army XV (45) v Cambridge University (0)
Aldershot - 28 Jan 09

Army teach Students a lesson

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

An excitingly experimental Army XV beat Cambridge 45pts-nil at Aldershot on 28 January and fully justified the decision of Army senior coach WO2 Andy Price to ring the changes on the evidence. In the first twenty minutes the sheer intensity of the Army 'blitz' blew away the Students as the Reds racked up four excellent tries.

Certainly the presence of fly half Jack Prasad, who has nine full caps for Fiji, was a major factor. He greased and glued the fifteen men approach on a night when the swirling drizzle made handling at pace difficult. He scored the first try after two minutes breaking successive tackles inside the Cambridge ‘22’ and thereafter brought the Sapper centre pairing of Danny Cootes and Gerhard Wessels into action

Cootes and Wessels are both capable of going for the gap and made ample ground down the middle. At that stage skipper Mark Lee, Darrel Ball and importantly No8 Dave Bates were flying in close support, ready to expand the attack. A succession of incisive breaks and quick rucking kept the students on the back foot and for large chunks of the first half they were playing catch-up.

The Army has found two very competent wingers in Gus Qasavakatini and Roko Rokodunguni. Both have raw speed and are elusive runners. Qasavakatini, who is not afraid to run the angles, scored the second try. He left the Cambridge defence with sheer 'whizz' after excellent approach work through the centre. Rokodunguni, a noted Army 7s player is hard to hold, powerfully built with the pace changes that bypasses would-be tacklers.

Wessels and fullback Ceri Cummings added further first half tries. Cummings is another exciting player who will attack at the slightest opportunity. Maybe at this stage his ambition to hoof every ball from close defence into the centre of Aldershot needs a bit of thought. He converted four tries to give the Army a 33pts-nil lead at the interval.

Andy Price names Army Senior Squad 2009

Andy Price, Head Coach, has confirmed 25 of the 28 man Army Senior Squad for the 2009 season. Price commented "the selection process has been extremely difficult this season. In all we have an elite player database of over 70 players. Even now we have held 3 slots back to give some of last seasons squad and some A team players a chance to step up to the senior squad. We have not rushed the selection, but hope to have it completed after the senior game against Plymouth next week and the A team game in Cardiff. We are satisfied that this year we have got it right and have a settled squad early in the year."

In the 25 there are 7 uncapped players, which include 9 times Fiji capped outside half Jack Prasad (see web link: www.fijirugby.com/player.cfm) Price added "we are pleased that 3 players from the successful U23 Inter-Service winning squad have made the step up. It shows that our scouting / identification process and the Academy is working well. As well as young talent we also have 3 players with over 20 caps and another 5 who are in double figures, so we are blessed with experience also".

Capt Mark Lee has been selected as the skipper for the season, which will see him with some new back row partners. 3 of last years Inter-Service back row are unavailable, Ludua Jope & Joe Kava are deploying on Operations and Maccu Koroyaidi is on a long term career course. Price continued "those guys coming in have some big boots to fill, but the cupboard is not bare when it comes to talented back rowers. We all wish the guys going on Operations well. We are 'soldiers first' and we all wish them luck and pray for their safe return".

Army Squad 2009

LCpl Chris Budgen 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welch Fusiliers)
ATpr Warren Ross-Allen 657 Squadron Army Air Corps
LCpl Melvin Lewis 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Capt Rob Scothern Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services)
LCpl Matt Dwyer 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Sgt Darrell Ball Royal Engineers
Cpl Ben Hughes Royal Engineers Recruiting Team
Capt Rob Sugden 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
LSgt Chris Scarf 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Capt Mark Lee Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services)
Capt Gareth Libbey 26 Engineer Regiment
Lt Jon Easton * 12 Regiment Royal Artillery
Pte Apolosi Satala 1 SCOTS - The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Capt James Gill Army Medical Services
Cfn Tom Chennell * 7 Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers
Pte Jack Prasad * 1 SCOTS - The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
WO2 Mal Roberts 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
LCpl Gerrard Wesells 39 Engineer Regiment
LCpl Dan Cootes 25 Engineer Regiment
Capt Paul Gittins 3 Medical Regiment
LCpl Matthew Saulailai * Scots Dragoon Guards
Spr Gus Qasevakatini * Royal Engineers
LCpl Malaki Magnus 17 Port & Maritime Regiment. Royal Logistic Corps
Tpr Semesa Rokoduguni * Scots Dragoon Guards
Cpl Ceri Cummings * Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers Aborfield

* - Denotes uncapped player

Management

Capt Eddie Cullen - Manager - 6th Battalion The Rifles
WO2 Byron Cordy - Assistant Manager - MOD (A) Main
Sgt Darren Percy - Assistant Manager - DLSS

Coaching Staff

WO2 Andy Price - Head Coach - 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
WO2 Chris Brown - Assistant Coach - MOD (A)
Sgt Sean Fanning - Defence Coach - 22 Field Hospital
SSgt Chris Williams - Strength & Conditioning Coach - 12 Regiment, Royal Artillery
WO2 Dai Williams - Referee Adviser - AFCO Bristol
WO2 Marty Carrahar - Analyst - HCMR

Medical Staff

Lt Col Gareth Thomas - Physio - DMRC Headley Court
Maj Sue Fowler - Physio - DMRC Headley Court
Lt Col Rhodri Phillip - Doctor - DMRC Headley Court
Miss Ann-Marie Birmingham - Sports Massage Therapist

Posted: 6 Jan 09