The British Army and Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) are proud to announce a landmark partnership that will champion women’s sport, celebrate shared values, and help remove barriers facing women in both rugby and military careers.
Women’s rugby embodies values that lie at the heart of military service: teamwork, respect, discipline, courage, and commitment. This partnership forms part of the British Army’s ongoing commitment to inspiring and empowering more women to consider a career in the Army, while also supporting the wider growth of women’s sport and reinforcing the Army’s reputation as a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking employer.
The Army Rugby Union (ARU) proudly supports this initiative and recognises the strong parallels between rugby and service life. Both environments demand teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the courage to perform under pressure — qualities that define success on the pitch and in uniform alike.
From the start of the 2025/26 season, the British Army brand will feature prominently on the shirts of match officials at all Premiership Women’s Rugby fixtures. This visible presence will highlight the professionalism of PWR’s officiating teams and mark the launch of the joint ‘Decision Making Under Pressure’ campaign – a collaboration that recognises the composure, judgement, and authority required in both refereeing and military life.
The partnership will deliver significant visibility through PWR’s broadcast coverage on TNT Sports and BBC, digital platforms reaching hundreds of thousands of engaged supporters, and community engagement initiatives throughout the season. It will also provide opportunities to share inspiring stories of women excelling in both rugby and Army careers.
Colonel Rich Hall, Head of British Army Engagement, said:
“Sport is a fundamental part of life in the British Army, and we are delighted to use this platform to highlight the many opportunities available through an Army career. Sport fosters camaraderie, resilience, and belonging – qualities that mirror those required in military service. The parallels between women excelling in rugby and those succeeding as soldiers are striking. We are proud to celebrate these shared values and to work alongside Premiership Women’s Rugby to promote greater participation, representation, and opportunity for women both on the pitch and in uniform.”
Genevieve Shore, Executive Chair of Premiership Women’s Rugby, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome the British Army as a partner. This partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship – it’s about recognising and celebrating the strength, leadership, and decision-making that women demonstrate every day in rugby, and showing how those same qualities shine in military service. Like the Army, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and girls. Together, we’ll make a real difference.”
Brigadier James Cook OBE, Chair of the Army Rugby Union, added:
“The Army Rugby Union is proud to support and promote this partnership between the British Army and Premiership Women’s Rugby. Rugby Union embodies teamwork, respect, discipline, and enjoyment – principles that perfectly align with the values of the British Army. Both organisations seek individuals with a warrior spirit – people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds who contribute their strengths to the team. Like everyone in the rugby community, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and girls. Together, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The collaboration between the British Army and Premiership Women’s Rugby marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusion, leadership, and opportunity. It demonstrates how shared values and teamwork can empower individuals, inspire communities, and show that excellence knows no gender.
The Army Rugby Union is proud to celebrate and support this partnership as a reflection of everything rugby and military life stand for – courage, commitment, and camaraderie.
All images provided by PWR.
