St Mary’s University, London, will host a special double-header remembrance rugby event against the Royal Artillery, known as the Gunners, on Wednesday 5 November. The matches are open to the public and will take place on the University’s campus.
The day will begin with a Remembrance Service, featuring readings, a military performance of the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and songs made famous by Dame Vera Lynn. Following the service, both the men’s and women’s teams will take to the field:
Players will be led out by a military bagpiper, introduced by attending VIPs, and will stand for the National Anthem before play begins. After each match, the winning team will be awarded the Remembrance Trophy.
The events honours Remembrance together, with St Mary’s celebrating its 175th anniversary and aims to strengthen ties between the university community and the Armed Forces. It follows a joint training session earlier this autumn, where the Gunners and St Mary’s student players shared a day of fitness and resilience training using the University’s sport facilities.
The Royal Artillery – nicknamed the Gunners – play a key role in the British Army, providing surveillance and firepower support on operations worldwide. Their rugby programme reflects the same values of discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Celebrating its 175th anniversary, St Mary’s is internationally recognised for its sporting excellence and has produced graduates who have gone on to represent their county at the highest level, including England rugby internationals, Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Rosie Galligan and Abu Burton, who were crowned this year’s Rugby World Cup Champions.