Royal Navy Make History with First Back-to-Back Army Navy Rugby Wins in 52 Years
In a thrilling contest at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, the Royal Navy defeated the Army 41–36, sealing a famous win in one of military sport’s most prestigious fixtures.
The Navy made a fast start, establishing early control of the match with tries from Will Rigelsford, Freddie Elliott and Ben Chambers to build a significant early lead. Jake Hanley added the conversions to extend the advantage.
As the Army fought back to close the gap, the Royal Navy responded with further scores, including a try from captain Jarrad Hayler, while Hanley continued to add crucial points from the tee to maintain the lead under pressure.
Following their 2025 triumph, this latest result ensures consecutive championship victories for the Royal Navy, something not achieved for 52 years. While the Royal Navy also recorded a notable win in 2023, the Army’s victory in 2024 meant that successive titles had remained elusive until now.
The Army Navy Match, first played in 1878, remains the showpiece occasion of the Inter-Service Championship and a cornerstone of the Armed Forces sporting calendar.
This historic back-to-back success reflects a sustained period of progress for Royal Navy rugby, underlining the squad’s resilience, attacking intent, and ability to deliver under pressure on the biggest stage.