The Army Rugby Union is proud to unveil the coaching and management setup for the Army U23s ahead of the 2025 season, as preparations begin in earnest to reclaim the Inter Service title.
Leading the programme this year is Lt Col David Falconer (Fusiliers), who steps in as Director of Rugby, taking over from outgoing Director Maj Sam Richardson (AGC(SPS)). Lt Col Falconer brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to drive the U23s programme forward.
Joining him as Team Manager is Capt Si Fudge (Royal Engineers), who brings impressive leadership credentials following a four-year stint as Director of Rugby and Deputy Chair of Royal Engineers RFC. His administrative acumen and operational rugby knowledge will be key in ensuring the squad’s off-field support matches their on-field ambitions.
Coaching Line-Up for 2025
Newly appointed Head Coach for the U23s is Pte Jonasa ‘Junior’ Bulumakau (3 SCOTS). A former U23 standout himself, Junior represented the Army U23s in three Inter Service Championships, laying the groundwork for a decorated career in Army and professional rugby. He went on to represent the Combined Services U23s, Army A Team, Army Rugby 7s, and earned 18 caps for the Army Senior XV.
Beyond Army Rugby, Junior made his mark in the professional game with spells at Glasgow Warriors, Doncaster Knights, and Coventry RFC. His standout performances earned him international selection for Scotland 7s.
Since transitioning into coaching in 2020, Junior has quickly earned a reputation as a forward-thinking and dynamic coach. His résumé includes:
- Caledonia Reds Backs Coach (2023–2024): Guided the team to a Championship title in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.
- Head Coach, 3 SCOTS: Led his battalion to victory in the 2023 Army Unit Championship.
- Army in Scotland Backs Coach: Played a central role in securing back-to-back Inter-Service titles in 2023 and 2024.
- Infantry Head Coach: Oversaw a dominant period with Merit League 2 titles in 2023 and 2024, and a Merit League 1 title in 2025.
- Army Senior Attack Coach: Contributed to the Army Senior Men’s 2024 Inter Service Championship triumph.
Junior’s appointment signals a bold new chapter for the U23s, bringing together his playing pedigree and coaching success to shape the future of Army Rugby talent.
Supporting him are several new and returning coaches, all of whom bring strong links to the Army U23s pathway:
- Backs Coach: LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni (Royal Scots Dragoon Guards) – A proud product of the U23s programme, Rokoduguni brings elite-level experience from a 10-year career at Bath in the Premiership, four England caps, and current club rugby at Doncaster Knights.
- Forwards Coach: Sgt Nathanael Titchard-Jones (REME) – Another U23s graduate, Titchard-Jones has over 25 Army caps and a club résumé including Chinnor, RAMs, Birmingham Moseley, and Coventry.
- Assistant Forwards Coach: Bdr Pete Austin (Royal Artillery) – Also a product of the U23s system, Austin has earned over 25 caps for the Army Senior XV and has played for London Scottish, Birmingham Moseley, Chinnor, Havant, and will join RAMs for the upcoming season.
- Assistant Backs Coach: Capt Bill Tiko (REME) – Returning from the 2024 setup, Tiko brings continuity and depth to the coaching team.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: SSgt Craig Davies (RAPTC) – Adds specialist expertise from two years with the Army Senior Men’s squad.
This rejuvenated and experienced team is focused on building a high-performance culture grounded in professionalism, development, and excellence. With strong roots in the Army U23s pathway and proven success at both Army and civilian levels, the staff is united in the mission to bring the Inter Service title back to the Army in 2025.
All images – Alligin Photography © Army Rugby Union
