Rugby fans are being urged to show their support and grab their tickets as two blockbuster fixtures return to Kingston Park on Saturday June 21, when the UK Armed Forces take on the North of England Select XV in a powerful Armed Forces Day tribute, all in aid of Military vs Cancer.

Following two hugely successful years that raised a combined £70,000, the event returns with one mission: to go bigger, better and bolder in 2025. Last year’s clashes set the bar high, with the UK Armed Forces Men defeating the North of England Men 90–14, while the first edition of the women’s match saw the UKAF team seal a commanding 38–5 win over their Northern counterparts.

Steven Colwell, President of Durham University RFC, has played an integral role in the North’s build-up to the event. He said: “We look forward to returning to Kingston Park and to the 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.”

UKAF Women’s head coach WO2 Sarah Mitchelson explained how the match marks a key milestone in the UKAF women’s team’s season as they build towards the International Defence Rugby Championships later this year. She said: “We are thrilled to participate in this match, as it serves as an excellent promotion for women’s rugby and women’s sport in general.

“It supports a remarkable charity that holds significant meaning for many of us, and we take great pride in backing it. Last year’s match was a challenging yet spectacular event for the sport, and we anticipate nothing short of that this year. This fixture aligns perfectly with our schedule, as we have just finished the IS competition and are now gearing up for the IDRC.”

As the largest semi-professional rugby event of its kind in the UK, the double-header at Kingston Park is not just about elite sport. It is also a celebration of resilience, remembrance and unity, with every pass, tackle and try played in tribute to those fighting cancer and those we’ve lost.

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

The 2025 edition will honour 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. Both men embodied the very spirit of service, resilience and courage – qualities that not only defined their military careers but also left a lasting impression on all those around them.

David Bathgate said: “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.”

For the third year in a row, Newcastle Falcons will host the event, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Entry is free for military personnel and veterans.

Tickets are available now via the Newcastle Falcons website or through the Defence Discount Service for serving military and veterans.