Navy promote from within for senior rugby coaching team

Royal Navy U23s Head Coach Lieutenant Commander Andy Vance has been selected as the backs coach for the Senior XV for the 2022/2023 season. 

Lt Cdr Vance's selection comes after he led the Royal Navy U23s to Inter Services success, where the Navy sealed their victory with a trouncing 44-3 win over the Army. 

Speaking to the Royal Navy Rugby Union, Lt Cdr Vance says the opportunity is a "natural next step" for him with coaching experience that spans over a decade, including more recently at the 2022 Commonwealth Navies Cup, which will enable his smooth transition into the role. 

• Calling military sport fans: We want your opinion
• US Navy's 'secret' air-to-ground ping pong ball drop on Army rivals ahead of American Football game
• Army women's head coach: My main focus is these players

He said: "This opportunity, the natural next step for me, is a culmination of the past decade where I have coached at Ship and Command level and two representative teams. 

"My experience as part of as part of the Commonwealth Cup coaching set-up will provide a seamless transition and has demonstrated that my philosophy for rugby, and how it is played, is in line with the team ethos."

A qualified Rugby Football Union (RFU) Level 2 coach, Lt Cdr Vance started his coaching career during his last two years playing for Gosport and Fareham RFC as well as the Navy Mariners. 

He represented the Royal Navy and the UK Armed Forces at both Rugby Union and Rugby League, including at the 2006 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup where he was nominated most improved player in the Navy squad. 

Lt Cdr Vance has coached at Ship, Command and Representative levels as well as civilian rugby.

The Senior VX will gather at Norton Manor for a training camp in the New Year before their first fixture against Oxford University in Portsmouth on 8 February.