Cornwall v Royal Navy: A Battle Under the Lights at St Austell

Rugby fans are in for a treat this Wednesday as the Cornwall President’s XV take on the Royal Navy U23s at St Austell RFC. The match kicks off at 7.30pm on 29th October, with gates opening from 6pm.

A Cornish Connection on Both Sides

The long-standing relationship between the Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) and the Royal Navy continues with the return of this popular fixture. This year’s clash carries extra Cornish pride, with several familiar faces from the county involved in coaching the Royal Navy U23s.

Current coaches for the Navy side include Sam Matavesi and Edd Pascoe, alongside Assistant Director of Rugby Matt Bowden, who is also a former CRFU player.

Opportunity for Cornwall’s Rising Talent

Kevin Thomas, Chair of Senior Men’s Selectors, said:

“The Cornwall President’s XV provides the opportunity for selectors to view players in a highly competitive representative rugby environment. We have selected a squad that is made up predominantly of players that have gone through our own U20’s set up over the last 2-3 years with the addition of a few players who are performing particularly well at club level.

From a selection perspective this fixture fits in really well with the Tamar Cup at Easter and then the County Championship fixtures at the end of the league season. We certainly hope that the fixture proves valuable to the Royal Navy as they prepare for their Inter Service competition.”

One for the Diary

Supporters can also note another upcoming fixture between the two sides, with the CRFU Women set to play the Royal Navy Women on 4th March 2026. The venue for that match is yet to be confirmed.

The Cornwall President’s XV v Royal Navy U23s takes place Wednesday 29th October 2025 at St Austell RFC, kick-off 7.30pm. Gates open 6pm.