Combined Services gear up for Samoa
The combined services rugby team are preparing to take on Samoa in their first international match in years and is an opportunity to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
The match is being played at Gloucester’s home ground, Kingsholm, with the home crowd more than familiar with the strength and skill that adorn the South Sea Islanders’ game with the likes of Junior Paramore and Terry Fanolua having graced the Kingsholm turf in the past and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu currently maintaining the tradition.
In addition, current Fijian international Apo Satala is another to have delighted the Kingsholm faithful in recent seasons and is likely to feature for the Combined Services side which draws from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Apo has recently moved to the Imjin Barracks based in Innsworth, Gloucestershire.
Given that it is the first time that Samoa have ever played at Kingsholm and only the second time for the Combined Services have played, it’s a unique opportunity to watch a game of this kind.
“Over the past years we have developed a fantastic reputation for staging additional matches here at Kingsholm and we look forward to welcoming both the Combined Services and Manu Samoa for what promises to be a great occasion,” said Ken Nottage, managing director of Gloucester.
“I am sure that the armed forces will put on a great show both before and during the match and we hope that the Gloucester fans will come along in great numbers to lend their legendary support as international rugby again comes to Kingsholm.”
Combined Services XV: 15 Stuart Douglas, 14 Jon Marlin, 13 Peceli Nacamavuto, 12 Andrew Evans, 11 Samesi Rokoduguni, 10 Jack Prasad, 9 Dave Pascoe (captain), 8 Joe Kava, 7 Greg Barden, 6 Mark Lee, 5 Marsh Cormack, 4 Darrell Ball, 3 Ken Dowding, 2 Matt Dwyer, 1 Melvyn Lewis.
Replacements: 16 Ben Priddey, 17 Chris Budgen, 18 David Bates, 19 Damian Chambers, 20 Ian Martin, 21 Wayne John, 22 James Reid.
Date: Wednesday, November 17
Venue: Kingsholm, Gloucester
Kick-off: 19.30 (19.30 GMT)
Referee: Rob Debney (England)
