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On Friday, November 8th, at Esher RFC, a historic inaugural rugby match between the British Army and the US Military set a powerful scene for remembrance and unity.

Hosted by Esher RFC, on the eve of Remembrance Weekend, this special event paid tribute to the fallen whilst celebrating the shared values between the UK and US militaries. The match drew an enthusiastic crowd of around 800 spectators and was underpinned by a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the two forces.

The relationship between rugby and the military was on full display, highlighting rugby’s power to build resilience, teamwork, and mental toughness—qualities vital to soldiers both on and off the field.

The occasion marked the first time the US Military had come together as a rugby squad, fielding a team that showcased a remarkable blend of experience. Their lineup featured athletes from all branches of the US Armed Forces, including an Olympian, Major League Rugby players, Premier Rugby Sevens talents, and three US Eagles.

Before the game, the atmosphere was set by the Duke of York’s Royal Military School Band, directed by Stephen Socci. The crowd then witnessed a moving Act of Remembrance led by LCpl Mike Thomas, Bugler from the Band of the Coldstream Guards.

General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO, Chief of the General Staff and President of the Army Rugby Union, was introduced to both teams ahead of the kickoff and would later present the prestigious Field Marshall Sir John Dill Trophy to the winning team.

The British Army started strong, opening the scoring through Sgt Connor O’Reilly(RA), who capitalized on a precise chip through from Spr Jack Johnson (RE), who then converted the try. Shortly after, LCpl Mikey McDonald’s (RE) quick thinking led to a cross-field kick that fullback LCpl Solodrau Radianirova (REME) grounded, with Johnson adding another conversion. The Army forwards soon joined the backs on the scoreboard as Gnr Sai Laudola (RA) finished a powerful maul off the top of a lineout, with Johnson maintaining his flawless kicking form. The US struck back through KoiKoi Nelligan, who drove over the line to score, converted by Cody Melphy. However, the British Army had the last word in the first half, with Radianirova breaking through midfield to set up some good phases of possession to set up flanker LCpl Onisivoro Nayagi (YORKS) to sneak through to cross for the fourth try, giving the Army a commanding 28-7 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the US Military controlled much of the early territory and possession, resulting in a brilliant solo try by Niko Spino with some scintillating footwork to dance his way through the defence to the tryline, though the conversion was missed. The Army responded quickly, with Radianirova providing the final pass to LCpl Pita Ratukadreu (REME) on the wing for a fifth try. Pte Adriu Muritoki (SCOTS) added to the tally soon after in a similar style diving over in the same corner as his predecessor, with Johnson adding the conversion. A moment of sublime footballing skill from Cody Melphy saw him score for the US, though the conversion was again unsuccessful. The Army closed the game with a penalty try awarded for a deliberate knock-on, sealing a 47-17 victory.

General Sir Roly Walker presented the Field Marshall Sir John Dill Trophy to Army captain Maj Stu Cross (YORKS), celebrating a strong start to a fixture that promises to become a proud tradition.

First caps were awarded to Army players Gnr Sai Laudola (RA), LCpl Kurtis Booth (RE), Spr Vili Tabuatamata (RE), and Rgr George Coen (R Irish), with the special moment of Coen’s cap being presented by his father, Dan Coen, a former Army fly-half.

The Rugby for Remembrance event was a stirring testament to the shared values and history of the British and American militaries. Through the power of sport, this match embodied respect, camaraderie, and dedication to honoring those who have served, reminding all of the enduring bond between allies.

MATCH GALLERY

A full gallery of images from the event can be viewed HERE all images are free to download for personal use.  Users need to create an account if you do not already have one, add selected images to cart and follow the check out process.  Users will receive an email with a link to download their selected images.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS