The Royal Lancers delivered an outstanding performance on their debut at the Flanders Open Rugby 10s tournament, securing an impressive 5th place finish out of 43 men’s teams in Belgium.
Travelling to Belgium on 19 May, the squad undertook a structured three-phase tour comprising a pre-tournament training camp, two days of competition, and a period of recovery. Despite limited and inconsistent preparation in the UK due to a demanding operational schedule, the team quickly built cohesion during a focused training camp in Voeren, laying strong foundations ahead of the tournament.
Taking to the field in Dendermonde, The Royal Lancers made an immediate impact. A dominant 40–5 victory in their opening fixture set the tone, showcasing an exciting attacking style and clinical finishing. The team continued to impress across the pool stages, recording further wins against French opposition and a hard-fought draw, though discipline proved costly at times in closely contested fixtures.
Across five matches, The Royal Lancers demonstrated resilience, adaptability and the ability to compete with well-established international sides. A standout final match, a 25–0 victory, secured their highest finish of the tournament and underlined their growing confidence and cohesion as a squad.
Off the field, the tour also played a vital role in team development. Shared accommodation, collective training, and a post-tournament recovery period in Brussels strengthened bonds across a diverse group of players, ranging from junior soldiers to officers. The trip also included a visit to a war memorial, reinforcing the Regiment’s connection to its history.
The success of the tour was made possible through strong organisational support, high-quality kit provision, and effective media coverage, ensuring the team’s achievements were widely shared.
Finishing 5th overall on their first appearance is a significant achievement and highlights the potential within the squad. With lessons learned and a strong platform established, The Royal Lancers are well positioned to build on this success and target even greater results in future competitions.
