Army players made a telling contribution in a successful start for the UK Armed Forces at the women’s International Defence Rugby Competition.
The hosts emphatically dispatched Tonga first up – running in 17 tries as they thrashed the minnows 105-0 in Esher.
Skipper SSgt Jade Mullen (AGC (SPS)) crossed twice, while WO2 Rae Metters (REME), SSgt Sarah Batley (AGC (RMP)) and LCpl Courtney Pursglove (RLC) were also among the scorers.
And fresh from captaining Wales on rugby league’s international stage, Bdr Bethan Dainton (RA) returned to the union code to produce a superb display at flanker.
The team went on to defeat the Irish Defence Forces four days later and were due to play Zambia in Aldershot as this issue went to press. Defending champions France started their campaign with a 22-17 win over Australia.
The tournament final will be held at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium on September 3. Elsewhere, Gdsm Manuqalo Komaitai (IG) has been included in the Fiji squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which continues this month.
She made her international debut at the Oceania Championships in the build-up to the tournament, coming off the bench to score in a 59-5 win over Tonga. The soldier then started in the final against Samoa, which Fiji won 24-20.
“I am honoured and humbled to be part of the World Cup squad,” Komaitai said. “This is a dream come true – not just for me, but for my family, regiment and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Fiji were in action against Canada as Soldier hit its deadline for the September edition, with pool matches against home nations Scotland and Wales to follow.
