Inverdale Challenge Trophy [Inter Command]

The Inter Command competition was originally played for the Blakeney Cup.  It was a five way competition between the land based Commands of the Naval Service.  The 'sixth Command' ran their own cup competitions.  With the demise of the annual inter-port fixture between Devonport Services RFC and US Portsmouth RFC the RNRU found itself in a slight dilemma.  The inter-port match was played for the Inverdale Cup.  Named and played in honour of former Royal Navy Rugby Union Life Member Surg Capt (Dentist)  Inverdale RN - a great supporter of both clubs and also a former Honorary Secretary of the Royal Navy Rugby Union and also, in 1959 the Honorary Team Secretary for the Royal Navy RUgby Union Senior XV.  To keep the trophy alive it was decided that the annual Inter Command Tournament would in future be played for the Inverdale Trophy.

In October 2013 the Inter Command Competition's name was changed to the 'Royal Navy Rugby Union Inverdale Challenge Trophy'.  The names of the commands were also changed.  The Royal Marines were the only team to retain their name.  Naval Air reverted to the Fleet Air Arm whilst the three regional commands were renamed Royal Navy East, Royal Navy West and Royal Navy North.  In recent years the two strongest Commands have been the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Marines.  The two South Coast port areas have in some ways replaced the traditional rivalry of Devonport Services RFC and US Portsmouth RFC.  Neither Royal Navy West (formerly Plymouth Command)  nor Royal Navy East (Portsmouth Command) have been able to enjoy the continuity of playing base that has helped the Royal Marines and Naval Air in recent seasons.  With the major upheavals that has faced the Naval Service in Scotland it is hardly surprising that Royal Navy North (RN Scotland) have, at times, struggled to partake in the competition.  However whenever they have they have proved most capable and most importantly have provided a stage upon which a number of talented players have provided a timely nudge to watch Navy Rugby selectors.

In January 2014 for the final was moved from the US Portsmouth pitch to the 3G pitch at HMS Temeraire.  This was the first major game that the Royal Navy Rugby Union had played on an artificial pitch.