The British Army women’s rugby union team opened their 2026 Inter Service campaign in emphatic fashion, delivering a commanding 78–0 victory over the Royal Navy women’s rugby union team at Allianz Stadium to retain the Babcock Trophy.
There was a late change to the Army line-up ahead of kick-off, with LBdr Jess McAuley ruled out in the warm-up. This prompted a reshuffle, with LCpl Courtney Pursglove moving to full-back and Hayley Scholes coming into the starting XV, while travelling reserve Cfn Adi Adiqalo was brought onto the bench.
From the outset, the Army imposed themselves with intensity and attacking precision, setting the tone early in the contest. Gdsm Manuqalo Komaitai and Inter Service debutant LCpl Jaye Ash both crossed for two tries apiece within the opening 20 minutes, giving the Army a strong platform and putting the Navy immediately under pressure.
Despite their early dominance, the Army were briefly frustrated when a try from Pte Lauren Brooks was disallowed. However, the response was immediate. Cpl Sophie Benavent powered over to extend the lead, with Pursglove adding the conversion. Brooks soon made amends, finishing under the posts before half-time to cap a dominant first-half display, which saw the Army take a 38-0 lead into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Army maintaining control and intensity across the field. Komaitai and Ash both completed their hat-tricks as the Navy struggled to contain the sustained attacking pressure. Brooks added her second of the match, while Cfn Adi Adiqalo, who was not originally expected to feature in the matchday squad, was drafted in as a travelling reserve and made an immediate impact by crossing for a well-taken try. SSgt Lou Dodd also added to the scoreline, converting her own try, underlining the Army’s depth and attacking quality.
Pursglove was consistent from the tee, converting throughout the match, to round of the scoring.
At full time, the Army celebrated a comprehensive 78-0 victory, continuing their dominance over the Senior Service and successfully retaining the Babcock Trophy.
The result sets up a highly anticipated title decider against the Royal Air Force Women at Kingsholm Stadium on 16 May.
Images from © alligin uk
FULL MATCH © bfbs Forces News
