Nye awarded start for IDRC semi-final

Exeter Chiefs Women’s scrum-half Lucy Nye will start this weekend’s International Defence Rugby Competition semi-final against France.

The United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), a team made up of players from the Royal Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force teams, had a clear, albeit busy, run to the knock-out stages of this equivalent of a world cup tournament.

In round one UKAF beat Tonga 105-0, Ireland 65-0 in round two, and Zambia 32-22 on Monday.

Meanwhile, France beat Australia 22-17 and the invitational team, the Vodafone Looseheadz, by 64 points to 10 to qualify for the semi-final.

UKAF will play France at Richmond RFC tomorrow (KO 13:00). The second semi-final between Fiji and Ireland will kick-off at 16:00.

Nye said: “We know France are an extremely physical side and are very well drilled. They play a similar structure to us, so we have done a little bit of analysis on their plays and how we can combat what their strengths are. But to be honest, we have got a really, really strong team, so as long as we can match them physicality, I do think we will come out on top"

She added: "This has been a very unique experience. Obviously, we have a lot of Southern Hemisphere teams who are we are not used to facing, so from a style of rugby point of view, it's been really exciting and has been a new challenge to play different teams. It's also been really cool because unless you play for your country, like for the Red Roses, I would never get to experience a World Cup or this type of tournament. Being in the forces gives you that opportunity and I feel very lucky to be a part of it."

Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for children here.

UKAF team v France

15 Jasimine Abel
14 Orla Proctor
13 Rosie Dixon
12 Jade Mullen (c)
11 Kim Grundy
10 Daisy Fahey
9 Lucy Nye (vc)
1 Sarah Batley
2 Rae Metters
3 Sophie Benavant
4 Heidi Silcox
5 Amy Reynolds
6 Chantelle Miller
7 Ellie Brightwell
8 Bethan Dainton

Replacements:
16 Lou Langton
17 Becky Wilson
18 Holly Beacom
19 Tyler Lewis
20 Sam West
21 Gemma Pearson
22 Millie Williams
23 Laika Swain