Isoa Damudamu

Season 2010-2011

Runner-Up ‘Army Sportsman Of The Year 2010′ – 17 Dec 10
Damu back for England 7s – 7 Dec 10

Reporter: Roger Thompson

Isoa Damudamu

Isoa Damudamu’s superb rugby season was officially recognised when he was accorded the runner-up position in the much coveted ‘Army Sportsman of the Year Awards-2010 ‘. The Award was presented by General Sir Nick Parker, Commander LAND Forces UK.

Damu has, except for injury, been an ever present member of the England 7s team since 2007. He performed brilliantly at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and played a crucial role in England winning the Dubai IRB 7s in November. Damu said “It was an unexpected honour to return to the England team in time for the Commonwealth Games. My thanks go to the staff at Headley Court and the Army Sevens management team. To win in Dubai and reach the final in George shows that England is as good as any team on the International 7s circuit”.

He has been labelled as one of the best three Sevens forwards in the world. His handling, awareness and work rate are second to none and, given a few inches, he will always take half the length of the pitch. Watch his video!

Damu, initially an infantryman saw operational service in Bosnia before transferring to the Royal Logistics Corps’ Port and Maritime Regiment in Hampshire where he lives with his family. As a rest from rugby he is again due to deploy to one of the world’s hotter spots in the Summer 2011.

Heading into Christmas Damu said “Being recognised at the Army Sportsman of the Year Awards crowns a comeback which, but for the encouragement of my colleagues, family and friends would not have been possible. Thanks to many people I can once more set my bar high. I am really looking forward to 2011, Twickenham and the Defence Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in October”.

Posted: 17 Dec 10

Damu back for England 7s

England won the Emirate Airlines Dubai Sevens with a thrilling last minute victory over the present World Champions -Samoa. Central to that victory was the return to England colours of Isoa Damudamu (17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC) who featured in every game England played -except the one they lost 14 pts-12 against Portugal in the qualifying rounds. England then successively overcame Fiji, and Australia in the quarter finals to set up the crucial match against the All Blacks.

Damu back for England 7's

England reversed the ‘humiliating defeat’ at the Commonwealth Games Delhi to win 19 pts-12. Damu’s ball winning prowess and tireless cover tackling were a feature of the match. Indeed England’s defensive pressures were too great for the Kiwis “who lost cohesion and trademark rhythm” (S Telegraph)

The final was a cliff hanger with England scoring three lung-bursting tries in the final quarter. A victory is a victory but winning 29 pts-21 against Samoa is top drawer. The ‘pic’ (below) shows England celebrating in their tequila sunrise kit-whatever it takes ! Damu, at 6 ft 5 ins is at the back on the right. Greg Barden (RN) is on the extreme left. Well done the Services!

Winners take all!

Posted: 7 Dec 10