Women’s XV Team Management & Contact Details
Maj S Shepherd MBE – RA – Director Women’s Rugby
Sam (or Sammy to her friends) started playing in 1993 playing for clubs and then the Services from the University of London, Wasps and Thirsk. During her military career she has been an active member of both the Combined Services and Army Women’s Teams for the past 6 seasons as a dynamic flanker with a dogged determination to lead by the front.
This season see’s Sam taking up the appointment as Vice Chairwoman and develop her skills within administration before taking post of Chairwoman in the future. Being a true West Country born (Plymouth), Sam in her spare time is keen on all sports and competitive events which will see Sam still playing and refusing to retire from the game.
Contact Details
Mil: 94873 2332
Civ: TBC
Mob: 07810 527833
Email: 26RA-17-OC@mod.uk
Major Maggie-Ann Hodge – Deputy Director Women’s Rugby
Contact details
Defence School of Medical Technical Training,
DMSTG Keogh Barracks,
Ash
Vale,
Aldershot,
Hampshire,
GU12 5RQ
Tel: 01252 868839 / 94229 5339
Mob: 07712 048826
E-mail: DMSTG-DSMTTHCAOC@mod.uk
WO2 (RQMS) (A) Mark Gregson – RDG (RAC) – Team Manager
Mark has represented his Regiment, Corps at union and league and currently plays for the Army league Vets team. This is his first season with the ARU (W), he has a proven track record with his regiment and Corps for getting the job done, and he is very meticulous in all aspects of administration. He is looking forward to the new season and the challenges ahead.
Contact Details
Arm Cen,
Allenby Barracks,
Bovington,
Wareham,
Dorset,
BH20 6JA
Tel: 01929 403221 / 94374 3221
Email: rqms-a@armourcentre.mod.uk
WO2 (SSM) DR Lewis – RDG (RAC) – Head Coach
Dean has represented both Union and League at Regimental, Corps, and Army levels. A keen sportsman he joined the ARU (W) in 2002 as the defence and backs coach and worked for 2 seasons with the ARU Academy conducting technical video analysis. He was appointed head coach of the ARU Women’s team for the successful Centenary Season. Setting his sights for the forthcoming season, Dean is looking to raise the standards and opposition to really test and further develop Army Women’s Rugby. Dean is looking forward to a very challenging and successful season with the pinnacle goal of retaining the Inter-Service Championship for 10th season.
Contact Details
C2DC
Room C3
Catterick Bldg
Blandford Camp
DORSET
DT11 8RH
Work: 94371 2993 (Mil) 01258 482993 (Civ)
Mobile: 07595116126
Email: dean.lewis846@mod.uk LWDG-C2DC-DTDT-AnalystRAC
WO2 Gaz Hearn – 2 RTR – Forwards Coach
Contact details
Contact via ARU
TBC – Attack Coach
Contact details
Contact via ARU
Cpl Lee Whetton – R Sigs – Video Analyst
Lee has represented at Unit and Corps level rugby union. He has successfully taken up coaching within the Army, Royal Artillery, and Salisbury a local civilian club. He has shown his drive and commitment and enthusiasm that saw Salisbury Women’s Rugby Club go from strength to strength over the past three seasons.
Contact details
Contact via ARU
TBC– Conditioner
Contact details
Contact via ARU
CSgt Jason Howitt – 1 RRF – Equipment Manager
Contact details
Contact via ARU
SSgt Andy Johnson – Band of the Corps REME – Referee Advisor
Contact details
Contact via ARU



Welcome to the Army Rugby Union Referees' Society (ARURS). We aim to promote and develop rugby refereeing in the Army, to provide referees for the three Services and to provide referees for civilian societies and other bodies affiliated to the RFU where appropriate.








