Vodafone UK has been announced as Principal Sponsor for the Royal Air Force Rugby Union (RAFRU), as part of a landmark multi-year partnership.
The agreement sees Vodafone now support the entirety of UK Armed Forces (UKAF) rugby, having already been named Principal Sponsor of The Army Rugby Union (ARU) in July 2025 and The Royal Navy Rugby Union in December 2025, while signing a partnership extension with UKAF in June 2025.
This latest partnership will continue to help the RAFRU ensure rugby remains a vital part of service life by providing essential investment into both the grassroots and women’s games, as well as development pipelines.
Vodafone’s support is a game-changer for us. It isn’t just about the elite level, it’s about the aviator picking up a ball for the first time, our senior teams running out at Gloucester and Northampton through to our Elite Athletes representing their countries at the very highest level.
AVM Paul Rose, Chair, RAFRU
Vodafone’s role at Armed Forces Rugby events
Throughout the five-year sponsorship term, Vodafone will have prominent branding across all RAFRU representative teams’ playing kits, as well as added visibility at RAF Rugby fixtures and events.
This includes events like the 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition, which had Vodafone as Title Sponsor, as well as the annual Inter Service Rugby Championship, which takes place between April and May 2026.
The latter competition will see the RAF face the Navy in April at the cinch stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, before concluding with the RAF vs. Army clash at Gloucester Rugby’s iconic Kingsholm Stadium.
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At events such as these, UKAF players will be supported by – an app designed to help improve performance through data-led tracking features.
Hollie Davidson, the first ever woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match, is one of many involved in professional rugby that have used Vodafone PLAYER.Connect to aid preparation, training and recovery.
This marks an important milestone for both Vodafone and RAF Rugby, and we look forward to supporting the growth of the game, as well as their ambitions on and off the field.
Steve Knibbs, Director, Vodafone Business Security Enhanced
How else does Vodafone support the Armed Forces?
Beyond sporting support, Vodafone offers free global roaming for UK armed forces personnel – helping keep them connected during deployment.
Meanwhile, the company is also working with the British Forces Broadcasting Service to further unite UK Armed Forces with their families worldwide.
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