The Royal Signals RFC overseas tour to Australia consists of 45 personnel, comprising 10 management and 35 players. The touring party is a mix between Rugby Union and Rugby League players, 9 of which were female, and a rank range from Sig to Lt Col. The first leg saw the squad based out of RAAF Amberley, Brisbane which had incredible facilities from an Olympic size pool for recovery, a top end gym and sublime catering.
Squad photo outside RAAF Amberley.
During the initial training sessions, the focus was on team cohesion and basic rugby skills. As the week progressed, the sessions were split with a focus on 7’s for the Women’s squad and Union for the Men’s squad in preparation for their first fixtures against the Royal Australian Signals teams. The squads were able to rely on the vast experience of representative players and coaches, with red shirt stalwarts such as our Director of Rugby WO1 David Bates, Ladies Head Coach WO2 Natalie Lewis and Men’s Head Coach SSgt Michael Harrison, coupled with some seasoned and emerging Army and UKAF players of Cpl Ben Gibson, Cpl Amber-Starr Palmer, SSgt Shaun Allen, Sgt Johnny Green, Sig Tom Land and LCpl Joey Walker who had just returned from International 7’s duties with Malta.
Royal Signals Women’s shirt presentation.
On 30th June, the squad travelled to 7th Sig Regt (EW), Toowoomba, where the Women faced a determined RA Sigs team who travelled in numbers and were keen to impress in front of their home crowd. The women played two 7’s games, both of which were played in true competitive spirit with neither side taking a backwards step, the RA Sigs came away narrow victors by 1 score in each game.
On July 2nd, the Men’s side ventured to North Brisbane Rugby Club to face their hosts, the Royal Australian Signals, where R Sigs hoped to secure a victory following a defeat when RA Sigs visited the UK in 2018. Both teams were honoured to have dignitaries in attendance such as Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland and the Royal Australian Signals Head of Corps, Brigadier Deane Limmer.
Women’s team captain, Cpl Amber-Starr Palmer on a rampaging run against the Royal Australian Signals.
Cpl Horatio Austin leaping tall during the warm-up.
Rugby Union team captain, Cpl Josh Raqio receiving the “Ramalti-Lawrence trophy” from Brigadier Limmer.
Following the national anthems, the game got underway with strong carries and big tackles by both teams in the opening phases of the game, with rampaging runs from LCpl Joey Walker (Army 7’s and XV’s) and Sgt Phil Kay, control from Lt Evan Watts at Fly Half and flair from Cpl Josh Raqio (former Army and UKAF U23’s Captain) it was obvious the Royal Signals would dominate the match and went in at half time leading 21-0. Following the HT intermission, the team came out and were again relentless in attack and aggressive in defence. 50 minutes in, the interchanges were made on mass and the R Sigs managed to deter the RA Sigs attack from crossing the whitewash securing a 38-0 victory at the final whistle. R Sigs captain, Cpl Josh Raqio was presented the match trophy by Brigadier Limmer and Club Captain Lt Evan Watts was presented the “Dave Dorking Trophy” as player of the match by Ex R Sigs veteran Mick (Skippy) Lawrence. The majority of the team then proceeded to the iconic Suncorps Stadium to watch Queensland Reds vs British & Irish Lions in true fashion sporting our Corps’ blazers.
Touring squad at Victoria Barracks pre-Lions match.
The next few days allowed the team to switch codes and focus on Rugby League in preparation for the fixture against the Royal Australian Signals Rugby League team – “The Spartans”. The squad were treated to a visit of The Dolphins in Brisbane, who compete in the NRL, which is the highest professional level of Rugby League in Australia. Whilst there, they were able to view a training session, interact with players and management on the internal workings of professional sport, have Dolphins Head Coach Christian Wolfe (Former St Helens and current Tonga Head Coach) present match jerseys and get a team photo in the stadium.
Team photo at The Dolphins stadium in Brisbane.
On 5 July, the Royal Signals RL team travelled to North Devils RLFC to face the Spartans which was set to be a great encounter with the R Sigs stacked with current and former Army Rugby League Capped players. The game got underway with a lot of support from the local area and both teams were battling in a high collision encounter, with the game evenly matched throughout. Both sides suffered injuries depleting their interchanges and the R Sigs losing a key player in LCpl John Davetanivalu (former professional with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats) early in the game, which tested WO2 Leigh Wheatley’s experience as the Team Manager. The RA Sigs went into the break leading 12-10, with everything still to play for in the second half. As the second chapter got underway, more dominant carries from both sides, incredible control from R Sigs RL stalwart and Captain Sgt Jonny Green (Army RL) and electric pace from Sig James Amachree (Army RL) and LCpl Ethan Green, the R Sigs scored 3 unanswered tries to lead 22-12 with 10 mins left on the clock. The Spartans weren’t done yet though, they were able to close the gap with slick handling and a retreating defence with only minutes left on the clock, they capitalised and successfully converted leaving the game to the wire at 22-18 to the R Sigs. With repeat sets and a high percentage of possession in the last 5 minutes the RA Sigs looked like they were set to snatch the victory but relentless goal line defence and dominant tackles from LCpl Joey Walker (Army RL) and stalwart player/coach SSgt Mike Harrison (former UKAF RL), the R Sigs were able to repel the barrage of Spartan’s attack, wave after wave to hold on to the lead, FT 22-18 to Royal Signals and 2 from 2 against the RA Sigs! The Spartans then hosted the post-match entertainment which culminated in shirt auctions to raise money for the RA Sigs chosen charities.
Rugby League team captain, Sgt Johnny Green presented with his match shirt from Dolphins Head Coach Christian Wolfe and player Herbie Farnworth.
Overall, the combination of focused training, quality match play, and unforgettable spectator experiences has made the tour so far both productive and memorable. With more ahead in the coming weeks, we’re excited to keep building, learning, and representing the Royal Corps of Signals and Army Rugby communities with pride. Watch this space for more updates!
Words – WO2 Leigh Wheatley, Royal Signals Rugby Club Secretary
