The honour of escorting the Sports oldest and most recognizable trophy recognizes both players contribution to RN, UKAFRL and beyond over the past year. For PO(SEA) Sam Alderson it has been quite a year as she was awarded the RN Sports Control Board Sportswoman of the Year earlier this year for her contribution over the last decade or so to Women’s Rugby of both codes. LET Josh Coupland has staked a place in the starting line-up for the Brothers and is a prolific try scorer from his position at wing or centre featuring in last season’s Armistice Challenge Cup Series against the Australian Navy as well as the Challenge Cup battle with West Hull.

The Coral Challenge Cup final takes place at Wembley on Saturday 24th August kicking off at 3pm however the day before Sam and Josh will be at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the Rugby League & Armed Forces memorial service. They will join representatives from all three services as well as from Saturdays finalists and the wider Rugby League Community to pay tribute those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts. It is especially significant this year being the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings effectively the beginning of the end of World War 2.

Congratulations again to Sam and Josh for being selected to represent RNRL at this special series of events. Full details of public to the Memorial Service will be published nearer the event for those of you planning your Challenge Cup weekend.