Page 15 - Bugle Spring 2023

This exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of light role infantry at fighting
armour
2 RIFLES
Rugby Club 2021/2022 Season
The 2 RIFLES rugby club had a very successful season. The goal being to show the calibre of players the squad had, with the ambition to achieve promotion into the premiership for the 22/23 season.
With COVID and OP TORAL 10 having curtailed the club’s run in 2019, 2021 gave
an opportunity to reenergise our fortunes. Spearheaded by coach, Sjt Mark Elliot and club captain, Cpl James Welling, we entered the Quaich Cup. After a series of land-slide victories the team played 32 RA on the community finals day in Aldershot. Strong performances across the board resulted in
a 54-11 victory and set the conditions for 2 RIFLES to be reinstated into the premiership for the 2022 season.
Sjt Mark Elliot, after numerous years in charge of coaching, moves on and his impact on the club will not be forgotten. He will be replaced by Cpl Domonikibau with Cpl Josh Hartley assuming the role of club captain.
Cpl Josh Hartley was also selected for
the Senior Men’s Army Rugby development squad. Whilst Rfn Vereimi Qorowale accepted a contract with premiership club Newcastle Falcons, who had the following to say about his experience so far: “It’s a pleasure to be greeting you both as a Rifleman and now as a professional Rugby Player. Growing up on the tiny island of Fiji and watching the sport we all
love on TV inspired me that I too could play at that level, and I have. My time with Newcastle Falcons so far has been varied. Pre-season was a great environment where everyone was friendly, but it was hard work!
With this I had my first insight into the media spotlight on professional rugby, being interviewed several times. I was unlucky on my first friendly against Leicester. However,
I got my premiership cup debut again with Leicester where we put wrongs to rights with a win. Competing at this level means I need to work hard to get my spot each week with international players as my competitors, I will try my best to learn from them and then learn what I need to do to be better than them with the help of the top end coaches.
At the moment I’m enjoying my time with the Falcons, an experience I hadn’t dreamed of a year ago and I’m learning from them each day. I am proud to play at the level I am and represent The Rifles on the big stage.”
The 22/23 season is already shaping up
to be a big year for the club, with pre-season being conducted whilst on OP CABRIT 10.5 with the aim of the premiership title beginning in December 22.
Cpl Josh Hartley and Capt Samuel Ackers have also achieved call ups to the Senior Army side, and the club is in a strong position to build on the successes of last season.
RIFLES The Bugle 15