Page 111 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Cup Carriers

Aviva Premiership Final at Twickenham

By Warrant Officer Class Two Paula McIntyre

On Saturday 28 May 2016, games. I am a massive Exeter Chiefs
Warrant Officer Class Two supporter, so this was a dream come true
for me, although a double edged sword
Paula McIntyre and Sergeant as excited to be carrying the cup onto the
Aimee Stott were awarded pitch, but also poignant because it was in Paula McIntyre and Aimee Stott in the players’
the honour of taking the memory of Captain David Seath, so an tunnel waiting to go on the pitch
honour to carry the trophy in his memory.
Aviva Premiership Trophy
and Stand onto the pitch at
Twickenham following a nail
biting Rugby Union Final
between Saracens and Exeter
Chiefs.

How it Came About

Warrant Officer Class One Trevor Jackson,
who organises the flag-bearing ceremonies
at Twickenham, had been asked by the
Events Organisation Team to provide two
military personnel to carry the cup. It is
the Rugby Football Union’s tradition that The Actual Event
the cup and stand be carried onto the
pitch by two military females; this year
it was to be one female from the Army Having watched the first half of the game,
and one from the Royal Navy. I was asked we then had to get changed into Number
to represent the Army as I am serving 2 Dress and make our way to the players
with 29 Commando Regiment Royal tunnel, whereby we rehearsed our roles.
Artillery, in memory of Captain David Aimee was directed to carry the stand (that
Seath who recently died competing in the is inscribed with all the previous winning
London Marathon. As the Royal Navy teams names) with the inscriptions facing team then got covered in champagne
representative dropped out at the last outwards and, similarly, I was instructed and ticker-tape during the winning
moment, Sergeant Aimee Stott (Systems to carry the cup with the Aviva inscription celebrations.
Coordinator with 3 Army Air Corps) was on show. The rehearsals proved vital for
asked if she would like to participate – eliminating nerves and, more importantly, Still in possession of our ‘All Areas’
which she duly accepted. photo opportunities with the trophy. passes, we were able to stay on the
pitch to mingle and meet the players.
Once the final whistle had blown and Not only were they down-to-earth,
Rugby Following the podium erected, Aimee led the way, approachable and chatty, but they were
placing the stand on the winner’s podium, also happy for us to have ‘selfies’ taken
Both myself and Aimee are rugby fans, promptly followed by myself carrying the with them.
and her fascination has only recently been
ignited from watching this year’s Army/ cup which was placed on the stand – no What an absolutely brilliant day,
Navy game; however, I have participated mean feat for a cup weighing over 15kgs. shame Exeter Chiefs came second but
in many flag-bearing ceremonies at Once in its rightful place, we stood next you can’t have it all – better luck next
Twickenham for various international to the podium congratulating the losing year.

111

*2016 J Layout.indd 111 10/01/2017 15:41