Inzpire was delighted to attend another RAF Women’s Rugby fixture, this time at Gloucester Kingsholm for their inter-services match against the Army. A great game, and the team played with determination and panache, though sadly being overcome by a very strong Army performance.
Caption: Ster Howard with Roger Barnett
The growth of women’s rugby internationally is demonstrated in no greater way than by the Royal Air Force’s Women’s Rugby (RAFRUW) team, which is currently enjoying enormous success and is playing at a tremendously high standard.
Inzpire’s Ster Howard was delighted to be afforded the opportunity to informally delve into the team’s activity with an informal interview with two current star players.
Caption: Flight Lieutenant, Sarah Graham
Corporal Orla Proctor and Flight Lieutenant Sarah Graham, currently serving in their extremely busy RAF Police and HQ 2Gp training assurance roles, clearly love the opportunity to play rugby for their service – all whilst balancing their primary duties. What’s more, it’s quite clear that the Service and the players’ respective chains-of-command lean-in to provide support - allowing the pair’s enthusiasm for both service rugby and the RAF to flourish.
Inzpire has now attended several of the RAFRUW team’s matches and stands in awe at the standard of play, the competitiveness of players, and the team spirit that pervades throughout the squad. Both Orla and Sarah commented that the squad’s cohesion is immense, and that they benefit tremendously from the physical and mental demands of playing at such a high level - as well as how playing has developed their robustness, leadership and their sense of belonging.
Caption: Ster Howard with Clive Mitchell
Orla and Sarah played rugby for a long time before joining the RAF - with Sarah playing for England U20s and Bristol - and both women now value significantly the opportunity to represent the RAF. Balancing busy primary roles that take them all over the UK and the globe is tricky at times, but they are fully committed to the sport.
The team’s external engagement officer, Flight Lieutenant Ben Brook, joined the interview and commented on the significant value of the corporate sponsorship that helps to support the squad. Ben described how everything from kit to transport and accommodation needs to be funded, and that sponsorship from the likes of Inzpire helps to make their success possible.
Following a fantastic match against the Army at Gloucester Kingsholm on 17th May, the focus is now on the upcoming International Defence Rugby Championships commencing in August. Do get along to a match if you can…they’re quite superb!
