In last season’s Army Navy match a great Serviceman’s playing career came to a premature end.
Isoa DamuDamu has graced the rugby field for England, the Army and as often as possible for his unit side at Marchwood all over the World. A playing colleague of former Navy players Josh Drauniniu and Greg Barden in England VIIs colours he did as much for anyone to put Service Rugby at the fore front. As a Navy coach I cursed his ability, his power, speed, deftness of hand but as a rugby fan you could not help but admire it. No one would have wished the ending to his career at last season’s Army Navy match. Though he now coach’s the Marchwood team and is enjoying his new role in rugby; Twickenham was his rightful stage.
Missing for the Navy, hopefully to a shorter term injury, will be B Buinimasi, who suffered a leg break at the end of the RAF match. The fact that he walked off the field says all you need to know about B’s approach to the game and what the Navy will miss.
This season B had been in the best form that I can recall and had made an impact in every match he played. He will be with the team at Twickenham but is another who should have been on the field.
JV
Gash, please accept thanks on behalf of the Army 7s team for your kind words on Isoa who has been an excellent ambassador to the game at every level, I am sure you will see him this year with the team – God Bless from us all
navyrugby
JV, That would be great to see, look forward to it. Geraint