Rugby unites for resilience and remembrance

Newcastle rugby fans are being urged to show their support as the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) take on the North of England Select XV in a powerful Armed Forces Day tribute match in aid of Military vs Cancer.

The double-header at Kingston Park on June 21 returns for its third year after raising £70,000 over two successful events. 

Both men’s and women’s UK Armed Forces teams will aim to build on last year’s commanding victories, with the men’s team winning 90-14 and the women’s UKAF side emerging 38-5 winners over their Northern counterparts.

Steven Colwell, president of Durham University RFC, who has played an integral role in North’s build up to the event, said: “We look forward to returning to Kingston Park; it’s an opportunity for some of the North’s top players to pay their respects to our servicemen and raise money and awareness for Military vs Cancer. 

“Our men are determined to avenge last year’s defeat to the UKAF team, and for our women, it’s an opportunity to fly the flag for women’s rugby in a region so desperately in need of these great, high-level events.

“As a group, we are grateful to Military vs Cancer; a charity who make a real difference and inspire us to play for them.”

More than just rugby, the event celebrates resilience and remembrance, honouring Corporal Tim Crossin RM and Lance Corporal Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM, two servicemen who lost their battles with cancer, but whose courage and legacy continue to inspire the charity’s work.

David Bathgate, chief executive of Military vs Cancer, added: “This year, we are proud to honour Corporal Tim Crossin RM and Lance Corporal Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM — two remarkable Royal Marines whose courage in the face of cancer continues to inspire everything we do. 

“Their stories are a stark reminder that cancer does not discriminate, even among the fittest and bravest.

“Supporting the Armed Forces community through cancer is at the very heart of our mission, and paying tribute to Tim and Nathan allows us to highlight just how vital that support is. 

“This is more than a rugby match — it’s a show of unity, remembrance and a commitment to ensuring no one in our military family faces cancer alone.”

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children, with free entry for military personnel and veterans.

See here for further details.

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