After an incredible week one, the second leg of our tour saw the 45 strong Royal Corps of Signals touring squad head South to Sydney for their next 3 fixtures. With an early departure planned and a 0530hrs wake up call from the Tour Manager, the party moved in a four-vehicle convoy for a 13 hour-drive – taking in the breath-taking views along the eastern coastline, travelling along the iconic Gold Coast route! The team finally arrived at the prestigious HMAS Kuttabul located in the heart of Sydney, less than 500m from Sydney’s Harbour Bridge and Botanical Gardens.
The next day the Women’s team took advantage of a 10 o’clock start with a gentle run along the waterfront to the Sydney Opera House taking in the sights and dining at some of Sydney’s finest breakfast spots. Later that day, the whole travelling squad moved a short distance to Randwick Camp where they prepared for the upcoming games with technical and tactical sessions under Head Coach SSgt Michael Harrison. Training commenced with a gentle WOD inside the gym, to shake out the previous day’s long journey, before heading out to the field to conduct the remaining training sessions.
Squad photo at Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Wednesday’s activities resulted in making the most of a rest day which started around the harbour utilising the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as a backdrop for various tour photos in playing kit and blazers. We then headed to Bondi beach for a couple of hours before heading to the Sydney Eye Tower for an all you can eat buffet style lunch with incredible seafood platters, a vast selection of desserts and even better 360-degree views of Sydney. The team were them dispersed to allow time to do some shopping and get ready before majority of the team headed to the iconic Accor Stadium to watch Game III of State of Origin between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons, since the series was a tie, the stadium was a sell-out, the atmosphere was incredible and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Rugby Union DoR, Rugby League Head Coach and Club Secretary at Accor Stadium.
On day three, the full touring party travelled 100km south west to Canberra where the temperature dropped to -2 degrees Celsius at night, just in time for the Male XV to face off against a team of Royal Australian Signals Veteran’s (The Mercury Marauders), combined with veterans from the ACT Brumbies. Since this fixture was a highlight for some with the opportunity for the “older and bolder” tour participants to get their boots on and play some competitive rugby there was a deep musk of Ralgex and Old Spice airing from the changing rooms pre-game. The Royal Signals ran away clear winners in the end in terms of the score-line in what was a thrilling game of “mixed ability” rugby 5-58 – with a strong crowd and lots of VIPs from the Nation’s Capital City there to watch.
Royal Signals and ACT Mercury Marauders post-match photo.
Old and bold players – Lt Col Ed Vickers (CO 1 Sig Regt) and Lt Col Ali Biggs (DCOMD 7 Sig Gp).
The ACT Brumbies who ply their trade in Super Rugby are a team all too familiar to Army Rugby Union after the 2011 IDRC competition in Australia and they welcomed the touring Corps side into their home at Canberra University to take a look behind the scenes of a professional rugby union outfit. Royal Signals Director of Rugby WO1 Dave Bates, led discussions with the Club General Manager, Media, Medical & Analysis teams and shared their perspective on what “operational excellence” looks like and what is transferable between the Services and professional sport.
WO2 Wheatley Club Secretary at the gym in Brumbies.
Next, the squad visited the Australian War Memorial which was a great opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made during major conflicts and some poignant talking points delivered by SSgt Michael Harrison (R Sigs) and Capt Neil Bielby (RA Sigs) to capture the importance of the visit, notably the proximity of the war memorial to the parliament building.
Australian War memorial – Canberra.
The squad returned to Sydney to begin preparations for a double header against New South Wales Police on Saturday at Souths Rugby Club not before the women took to the water and went for a sunrise kayak trip with breath-taking views. The Women’s squad, refreshed from an extended break came out fired up and eager to dominate the NSW police. With great control from Capt Cat Whiteley at scrum half, dominant runs from LCpl Forsyth and Sig Zeleznikar in the forwards and pace on the fringe from Sgt Gardiner the R Sigs Women came away victors in an intense 15-10 victory!
Royal Signals Women’s team following their victory against NSW Police.
Aiming to follow in the women’s footsteps, the men’s team came into the game calm, composed and focussed to add to their win streak. From the off, R Sigs were able to play great rugby with control from Fly Half Lt Evan Watts (Club Captain), with experienced centre SSgt Michael Harrison (former Army and UKAF) adding composure and dominant carries by Sig Matthew Davies (Army U23) and LCpl Reece Carless. R Sigs lead the first half outclassing the hosts with energy and precision going into the break.
As the second half got under way, the determination and effort from all players saw the R Sigs make multiple interchanges which increased the tempo, the NSW Police struggled to compete in almost every aspect of the game. Sig Samu Tamanivalu (Army U23) and LCpl Ethan Green (Army 7s) were electric on the edges with newcomer, Sig Jude Baker-Hands adding intensity and value from fullback taking the scoreline to 67-0 with minutes left. The NSW Police capitalised on a retreating defence to cross the whitewash to score an unconverted try on the blast of the final whistle – Full time 67-5.
Royal Signals vs NSW Police post-game photo.
The following day, the squad deservedly enjoyed a rest day, with majority heading to Manly beach to relax in the sun and some finishing the day with a sunset harbour cruise including a 3-course meal, fancy drinks and magnificent photo opportunities. Overall, the squad had an amazing time in Sydney, played some fantastic rugby, took in the breath-taking views and enjoyed some well-deserved rest time.
Sunset cruise – Sydney Opera House.
Words – WO2 Leigh Wheatley, Royal Signals Rugby Club Secretary
