The Army Rugby Union Men’s Senior XV have been announced as winners of the prestigious Team of the Year title at the 2024 Army Sports Awards. This accolade celebrates a year of outstanding achievement and unwavering commitment, highlighting the team’s exceptional skill, resilience, and dedication to excellence on the rugby field.
Under the leadership of their Director of Rugby, Col Graham Taylor CBE, Head Coach, Lt Col Tim Osman and wider management and coaching staff, the Men’s Senior XV consistently delivered top-tier performances throughout the 2023/24 season. Their success is a testament to the rigorous training, discipline, and teamwork that define Army sport.
Year of Triumph
The Men’s Senior XV excelled across numerous high-profile fixtures during the season, with the highlight being their decisive victories in the Inter-Service Championships, where they re-claimed the title that they had not held since 2022, with victories against the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Of particular note was the character and resilience displayed by the squad to come back from a half time deficit of 29-5 v the Royal Navy to seal victory in the most dramatic of fashions with a match winning try into added time making the final score 43-42. The spectacle at Twickenham back in May this year was arguably the greatest in the history of Army v Navy matches. The squad then had a short turn around to face the RAF just 7 short days later at Kingsholm in a winner takes all finale to the 2024 Inter Service competition. Despite the mental and physical fatigue from the previous weeks endeavours, the squad demonstrated their professionalism and togetherness to deliver a full 80 minute performance, scoring 7 tries, to overcome the RAF in scintillating style.
The overall performance across the Championship showcased their tactical brilliance, physicality, and unbreakable camaraderie, earning them widespread acclaim and respect both within the Army and the wider rugby community.
Celebrating Army Sport
The Army Sports Awards, held annually, will take place on Thursday 14th November at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where the team will be presented with their Award. The event celebrates and honours the finest athletes, teams, and coaches across a wide range of disciplines within the British Army. The Team of the Year award is one of the night’s highest honours, given to the squad that has demonstrated extraordinary achievement, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the year.
This year’s event will once again bring together Army sports enthusiasts, senior military leaders, and sporting legends to celebrate the incredible achievements of the men and women who represent the Army in various sports. The Team of the Year award is announced ahead of the Awards evening. The Army Rugby Union’s Men’s Seniors XV stood out among a strong field of nominees, making their victory even more impressive.
Looking Ahead
As the 2023/24 season recently drew to a close, the Army Rugby Union Men’s Senior XV are already looking ahead to 2024/25 with this award cementing their status as one of the Army’s most elite teams, they are more motivated than ever to continue their winning streak and push the boundaries of success in military rugby.
This recognition at the Army Sports Awards is a fitting tribute to a team that has not only excelled on the rugby field but has also embodied the spirit of Army sport. The Army Rugby Union Men’s Senior XV has proven that through unity, determination, and skill, anything is possible.
Header and featured image – Alligin Photography © Army Rugby Union
