From England to UKAF: Inside Rokodugni’s debut as he ‘gives back’ to the game
Former England winger makes debut for combined armed services
Former Bath and England star, Semesa Rokoduguni, made his debut for the UK Armed Forces Rugby Union on Wednesday in a hard-fought match against the German national side.
Despite a fast start from the UKAF, the result went the visitors’ way, with Germany holding on to win 24-29.
Although many were excited to see Rokoduguni on the teamsheet for this match-up, it was his wing teammate Vereimi Qorowale who stole the spotlight for the military side, scoring two impressive tries as he helped the side to an early lead.
Rokoduguni’s journey to play for UKAF
- Rokoduguni’s chance to give back
- The former star served in Afghanistan
- The other stars that have balanced military life with rugby
The combined forces weren’t able to hold their lead for long, however, as Germany fired back three unanswered tries to take control of the match. UKAF did their utmost to shorten the gap, but Germany stretched their points total to 29, which proved to be too comprehensive a lead to break.
After the game, UKAF Captain, Royal Marine Captain Jarrad Hayler, told Forces News: “They were tough, they were physical and they played in the right areas of the pitch, they really capitalised on our mistakes, we gave away too many penalties today.”
Although it was his debut for the combined armed forces, it certainly wasn’t Rokoduguni’s first taste of military rugby. In fact, that’s where his entire journey started.
The 38-year-old has had a distinguished rugby career, playing for professional sides such as English PREM side Bath Rugby, French Top 14 side, US Montauban and now CHAMP side, Doncaster Knights. During the heights of his rugby playing career, Rokoduguni even made five appearances for England, scoring four tries.
What makes this story yet more impressive is the fact that the Fijian-born star was an active serving soldier during the entire journey. In fact, the free-scoring winger served in Afghanistan for six months in 2011 as part of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
It was during his time in the Army that Rokoduguni found his rugby calling; first winning player of the tournament in an army sevens competition, before achieving player of the match status during the famous Army vs Navy fixture at Twickenham.
It was during this fixture that he would get his big break. Bath’s defence coach at the time, Mike Ford, was at the match and noted his performance before bringing him over to Bath.
Speaking to The Rugby Journal, Rokoduguni said: “I spent three weeks at Newcastle, and then three weeks at Bath, who decided that they wanted to sign me. My Army boss turned round and said ‘we’ve never had to deal with a player joining a Premiership club before, but you should go, everyone at the regiment is backing you’.”
His time in professional rugby is well documented, but what many may not know is that the former international still turned out for the Army XV as much as was possible during that time.
“The reason why I hold military rugby so close to my heart,” Roko explained, “is because they’ve given me the opportunity, they’ve opened the door for me. If it wasn’t for them telling me that I was good enough to play, I would never have played for Bath or England. I’d still be spending my days fixing tanks.
“I’m so grateful to have been able to showcase my talent, so for me, representing the Army and now the UKAF team, that’s my way of giving to them to say thank you for everything they’ve done.”
Now in the twilight of his rugby career, the ageing star has stepped up once again to give back to those who have always supported him.
What other members of the military have played rugby professionally?
Rokoduguni is not the first member of the military to go on to play top level rugby, here are some of the famous names that have served in the past:
Josh Lewsey (British Army): The former England and British & Irish Lions was a Troop Commander in the Royal Artillery after passing out of Sandhurst. He juggled both careers for two years before resigning his commission to focus on professional rugby, which would prove to be a huge success, spending many years with London Wasps, and achieving World Cup glory with England in 2003.
Tim Rodber (British Army): Rodber was a Captain in the Green Howards infantry regiment while playing for Northampton, achieving well over 200 caps in an impressive 13-year career. The back rower also picked up 44 caps for England and played in two British & Irish Lions test matches.
Rob Wainwright (British Army): Commissioned as a doctor in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Wainwright continued to serve in the military while playing for numerous clubs, as well as achieving 37 caps for Scotland and playing in the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
Will Carling (British Army): Carling was a member of the Royal Regiment of Wales before resigning his post to pursue his professional rugby career. His rugby career hit legendary status, spending 13 years at Harlequins and achieving multiple England, as well as British and Irish Lions honours.
Ratu ‘Siva’ Naulago (British Army): One of the more recent players on this list, Naulago is a private in the Yorkshire Regiment, Naulago has played in the Premiership for Bristol Bears and was a professional rugby league player for Hull FC.
Sam Matavesi (Royal Navy): He worked as a supply chain logistician in the Royal Navy before committing to professional rugby. He spent much of his career at Northampton Saints was a regular in the Fiji national team.