Because in those 12 words England and Leicester Tigers hooker Amy Cokayne has summed up just what it means for the rugby players of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to pull on their respective colours and compete for the Inter Service Championship.
Now 27 years old, Cokayne has been as synonymous with Forces rugby as with England since she completed her RAF training five years ago, and last week at Twickenham was alongside several teammates and competitors as the 2024 Inter Service Championship was launched.
Launched in 1920, when the newly-formed RAF joined the Royal Navy and British Army in a threeway competition to find out who was the best rugby team among the UK Armed Forces, the Inter Service Championship has only been interrupted by World War II and the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We are extremely proud of the history the Inter Service Championship has," says Captain Sarah Oakley (Royal Navy), Chair of the Inter Service Championship and Army Navy Match committees.
"The standard of the rugby is always extremely competitive, and over the years some fantastic international players have taken part, the likes of Tim Rodber, Rory Underwood and Rob Wainwright, along with Mattie Stewart and Paul Hull, who both joined us at Twickenham last week.
"While rugby has changed immeasurably in the professional era, the sport remains important within the military, and we are fortunate to have the support of the three Services as well as the Ministry of Defence.
This has enabled us to still be able to provide players like Semesa Rokoduguni and Sam Matavesi, Amy Cokayne and Bethan Dainton, with the opportunity to pursue professional careers alongside their military commitments." The support received in recent years by this quartet and others is nothing new, as Paul Hull, who won all of his England caps while still a physical training instructor in the RAF, acknowledges.
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.