Vodafone UK has been announced as Principal Sponsor of Royal Navy Rugby Union, building on a long legacy of support for the UK’s armed forces and its sporting community.
The sponsorship term is five years and will see Vodafone branding feature prominently across all Royal Navy Rugby Union representative teams’ playing kit, alongside increased visibility at Navy Rugby fixtures and events.
The announcement follows Vodafone becoming Principal Sponsor of The Army Rugby Union (ARU) in July 2025, while a with UK Armed Forces Rugby (UKAF) was renewed in June 2025.
As lead partner to UKAF, players are given access to Vodafone’s PLAYER.Connect technology. The VodafoneA PLAYER.Connect app is designed to help athletes enhance their performance through various data-led tracking features, including its landmark menstrual cycle tracking technology – first launched with Wales Women in 2023.
It’s fantastic to be able to enter into a long-term agreement with Vodafone, because it means we can have sustained support in Navy Rugby and actually improve and grow our rugby output.
Sarah Oakley, Chair of the Royal Navy Rugby Union
Though Vodafone was also announced as the Presenting Partner of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025 – one of the world’s most iconic military and cultural events – the company’s support for the armed forces community extends beyond sponsorships.
November 2025 saw Vodafone offer free global roaming to UK armed forces personnel, following research revealing that more than half (54%) of military employees feel that high mobile, data or broadband costs have restricted contact with family and friends during service periods.
As a result, Vodafone is the sole UK telecommunications provider to offer complimentary global roaming for armed forces personnel, helping to ensure service members can stay in touch with loved ones while deployed overseas.
We’re proud to be partnering with Royal Navy Rugby Union, support those who protect and serve our nation. Through our focus on connectivity and innovation, we aim to help enhance performance and support the wellbeing of the Navy Rugby community.
Steve Knibbs, Director, Vodafone Business Security Enhanced
As a sponsor of both Army and Navy Rugby, Vodafone will be present at the upcoming Inter Service Rugby Championship. The historic championship was first staged in 1920 and, in 2026, will take place between April and May.
Meanwhile, Vodafone was the Title Sponsor of the 2025 Women’s Inter-Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC). Held in August 2025, it saw France edge out Fiji in the final, while UKAF triumphed over the Irish Defence Force in the third-place playoff.
To help share some of rugby’s most interesting stories – including those related to armed forces teams – Vodafone has partnered with The Rugby Journal, where readers can learn about the story of Navy Rugby player Sam Matavesi and others.
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