Sibson Dave (Most capped centre)

D.J. Sibson

Born 2 October 1970, Wigston, England

Most capped Navy centre of all time with 22 Inter Service caps (26 April 2012). 555th player to be capped by the Royal Navy Rugby Union

22 caps

Played against the Army in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Played against the Royal Air Force in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Inter Service Record

Played 22 Won 9 Drew 0 Lost 13
Inter Service Titles 2 plus 2 triple ties

1992 Royal Navy 9 Army 16

1993 Royal Navy 15 Army 37

1993 Royal Navy 7 Royal Air Force 23

1995 Royal Navy 34 Army 17

1995 Royal Navy 43 Royal Air Force 19

1996 Royal Navy 9 Army 6

1996 Royal Navy 12 Royal Air Force 14

1997 Royal Navy 16 Army 18

1997 Royal Navy 24 Royal Air Force 24

1998 Royal Navy 22 Army 36

1998 Royal Navy 11 Royal Air Force 8

1999 Royal Navy 13 Army 24

1999 Royal Navy 28 Royal Air Force 7

2001 Royal Navy 31 Army 20

2002 Royal Navy 13 Army 18

2002 Royal Navy 24 Royal Air Force 19

2003 Royal Navy 16 Army 53

2003 Royal Navy 34 Royal Air Force 27

2004 Royal Navy 16 Army 32

2004 Royal Navy 49 Royal Air Force 5

2005 Royal Navy 15 Army 41

2005 Royal Navy 16 Royal Air Force 24

Clubs

Plymouth Albion

Havant

Redruth

Penzance & Newlyn

Ships

Dave Sibson was selected for his first cap in 1992 on the wing, playing outside the Navy centre pairing of Glenn Loughlin and team captain Chris Alcock. Having already represented the Navy at U19 and U21 level the team new that they were getting a strong tackling and determined player joining them. Over the next thirteen years of service to the Senior XV this was proved again and again as Dave gradually moved towards the pack finishing up as the Navy’s flyhalf. However for many he will be best remembered for his robust centre play.

Dave’s qualities as a player were not only recognised by the Navy selectors. He represented the Combined Services on seven occasions including the memorable match against the All Blacks at Devonport Services. The game which Cs only narrowly lost 3 – 13 certainly marked Dave as a rising star. There were only two Navy players in the starting line up that day. Royal Marine Bob Armstrong in the second row and Dave as the solitary sailor at centre. The Daily Telegraph’s rugby correspondent, John Mace, wrote of Dave and that day in front of a capacity 6000 crowd “Dave Sibson brought off some devastating tackles.”

Since hanging up his boots Dave has gone on to be a respected coach within the Navy. Having been involved with both age group and the Senior XV he is currently coaching the Navy Mariners. Dave’s first cap was awarded when he was serving on board HMS Cumberland and it was therefore apposite that when again serving on board the ship he helped uncover and develop the talents of current Navy centre Dale Sleeman. The baton passed and Dale has big boots to fill.