The Inter Service Championship has been bringing together the whole military family to celebrate sport and service since 1920.
Wooden Spoon (charity no 326691 (England and Wales)) has been transforming the lives of children and young people through the power of the rugby community for more than 40 years.
This year the two organisations will be working together to help raise awareness of the charitable work of Wooden Spoon and of the competition which features the best of UK Armed Forces rugby across three iconic venues – cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Kingsholm Stadium, and Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
This will include the naming of specific family zones as the Wooden Spoon Family Area, highlighting the charity’s focus on young people and families. The youth tournaments in Northampton and Twickenham will be named as the Wooden Spoon Youth Tournament, to strengthen the connection with younger audiences and showcase the charity’s commitment to youth development.
Wooden Spoon will also have a significant presence at all three venues, along with digital and physical branding.
Wooden Spoon will promote the three Inter Service Championship weekends, including those between the over 35 teams – the Royal Navy Mariners, Army Masters and RAF Vultures, to its audience.
In the longer term, the three Service Unions will seek to collaborate with Wooden Spoon’s regional teams to engage communities and promote local rugby events.
Sarah Oakley, chair of the Inter Service Steering Group said: ”Encouraging the next generation to pick up a rugby ball is vital to ensure the future success of rugby union. We are delighted that Wooden Spoon wish to be partnered with the Inter Service championship. We seek to support each other’s longer term aims in a meaningful way.”
Sarah Webb, CEO, Wooden Spoon said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with the Inter Service Championship. This collaboration allows us to amplify our mission of transforming the lives of children and young people through the power of rugby, while celebrating the spirit and dedication of the UK Armed Forces. We look forward to creating lasting impact both on and off the pitch.”
2025 Inter Service Championship, Senior Men and Senior Women
Navy v RAF | cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton | Sat, 19 April | www.eticketing.co.uk/northamptonsaints/events
Army v Navy | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | Sat, 3 May | www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events
RAF v Army | Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester | Sat, 17 May | www.eticketing.co.uk/gloucesterrugby/events
