UK Armed Forces RFC enjoyed a double victory over the North of England Select XV at Kingston Park.

More than £48,000 was raised for Military vs Cancer during the charity’s Armed Forces rugby event on Saturday June 22 at the home of Newcastle Falcons.

A crowd of over 2,500 attended the event where two matches between the UK Armed Forces and select XV North of England teams took place, that also represented a first fixture for the North’s women’s team.

Military vs Cancer’s CEO and founder, David Bathgate, said: “We always hoped that our return to Kingston Park would be bigger and better than our inaugural event in 2023 and we have been absolutely blown away by the whole support.

“The people of Newcastle have been such a big support for our event and it was great to see such a great representation from military personnel and their families at the weekend. The funds raised will go a long way to supporting the charity’s work and we’re already booked up to return to Kingston Park in 2025.”

Military vs Cancer became a registered charity in May 2022 but was founded several years earlier by David after losing several family members to cancer. The charity brings together all three military services, businesses and people in industry to help support those who are battling with cancer, aiming to inspire people to live their lives to the fullest.

On the pitch, there was double delight for the UK Armed Forces team, with the men’s team running out 90-15 winners after the women’s side had notched a 38-15 triumph. Ex-Falcons player Rob Vickers and Women’s World Cup winner Tamara Taylor were among the coaches for the North of England side.

The day marked a historic fixture for the North of England women’s XV though, as players from clubs across the North East and Yorkshire came together for a first fixture in the North of England colours. Following changes to the Women’s Premiership in 2022, no northern sides are represented in women’s elite rugby, but Assistant Director of Rugby Cesca Johnson-Harding is confident Saturday’s fixture marks the beginning of a new era for the women’s game in the region.

She said: “It was the start of a new era for the women of the North East who wore the North East Select colours with pride and really showcased just how much we need an elite level game in the North. What an amazing day raising awareness of this gap in playing provision and raising money for a worthy charity like Military v Cancer.

“We have planted a flag for the game to run for years to come and to grow it into a spectacle where the Northern Rugby family can support the men’s and women’s game and families battling cancer in our Armed Forces. I am incredibly proud of the men and women who took to the pitch on both sides.”

Matt Thompson, chairman of rugby at Newcastle Falcons, added: “Hosting the double header fixture on Saturday June 22 was a tremendous honour and a fantastic success for everyone involved. Bringing together the North of England Select XV and the UK Armed Forces RFC, both men’s and women’s teams, showcased some fantastic rugby while raising vital funds and awareness for the incredible Military vs Cancer charity.

“The day was not just about the competition on the field, it was also a great opportunity to bring people together to help make a difference. We are incredibly proud to have played our part in supporting this fantastic cause and are thrilled with the outcome of a memorable day of rugby and fundraising.”

Military vs Cancer’s event marked the start of Armed Forces Week 2024 with senior VIP, Air Vice Marshal Fin Monahan OBE DFC PhD RAF, providing a military address on the importance of the week and the impact on the local area for families associated with the military.

A fusilier’s band performed before both matches while an U12 game at half-time saw Bishop Auckland RFC take on Houghton RFC and Hartlepool RFC. A range of activations and merchandise stalls from the Army, RAF and sponsors provided added entertainment throughout the afternoon.

David Bathgate, added: “We are indebted to Newcastle Falcons for once again providing Kingston Park Stadium for our fixture and we wholeheartedly thank our sponsors and guests for all their efforts in making the day a huge success.”

To find out more about Military vs Cancer, visit their website.