THE Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy will go head-to-head early next month in a three-Test Series as part of the centenary commemorations of the ending of World War One.
The teams will be competing for the Royal Navy Rugby League Armistice Challenge Cup, with matches being played on Saturday 3 November, Wednesday 7 November and Saturday 10 November.
The First Test is being staged at Wakefield Trinity’s Mobile Rocket Stadium (1.00pm), the Second Test is at Burnaby Road, Portsmouth (7.00pm) and the Third Test is also at Burnaby Road (3.00pm).
Royal Navy PRO Keith Humpleby said: “It is a fantastic gesture by Wakefield Trinity and the local council to offer their facilities out of season, and the RNRL is very grateful.
“We also owe a special word of thanks to our very own Ben Taylor – also known as ‘Yorkshire Prose’ – a Trinity fan who worked hard with all involved to get this fixture off the ground.”
He continued: “The backdrop to this series is of course the Armistice Commemoration and as such we are extremely grateful to the Royal British Legion, who are sponsoring this competition along with our friends from QinetiQ, who also sponsor the annual RNRL Origin fixture.
“A new kit is also being prepared as a lasting memory for the players, and is being provided by Aerial Direct.”
He closed: “Representatives from the two squads will pay their respects at a special wreath-laying ceremony in London on Thursday 8 November at the Naval Memorial on Tower Hill.”
Entry to all three games is free; donations to the Royal British Legion, however, will be greatly appreciated.