12 Feb 2025

Babcock expands support of Inter Service Championship

We’re demonstrating our commitment to Forces Rugby Union by sponsoring the whole of the Inter Service Championship for the 2025 campaign.

We’ve been a proud sponsor of the Army v Navy rugby match for over 20 years and this year will be extending our support to include Royal Air Force and U23 matches. This new agreement is in addition to our existing sponsorship and will enable each individual match in the championship to continue having its own sponsor.

As a signee of the Armed Forces Covenant and supporter of the Total Support Force concept we’re committed to supporting the armed forces community. It’s estimated that 16 percent of our workforce has some connection to the armed forces, whether as a service leaver, veteran, reservist, or as a member of a serving personnel’s family.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive, Babcock, said: “The Inter-Service Championship is a corner stone of military sport and service. The camaraderie, teamwork and professionalism around these matches mirror the exemplary standard of the UK Armed Forces. We’re dedicated to continuing this legacy. Our new sponsorship will also extend to the U23, Veterans, Men’s, and Women’s categories, so we can invest in up-and-coming young talent and inspire the next generation of military athletes.

“Now more than ever, sport is a key part of service life. During a period of increased geopolitical instability and increased pressure on our service personnel, the Inter-Service Rugby Championships is an important chance for the armed forces community to come together and celebrate its resilience, hard work and unity while enjoying great sporting fixtures.”

Captain Sarah Oakley (Royal Navy), Chair of the Inter Service Championship committee, said: “We are delighted that Babcock has extended their sponsorship to be overall sponsor of the Inter Service Championship and on behalf of everyone involved in the Championship’s organisation I would like to thank Babcock’s management.

“The agreement for this year reflects Babcock’s support of our vision for the Inter Service Championship, welcoming a broader range of supporters to matches and making all our events a celebration for the whole military community, past and present.”