At Wasps we are hugely supportive of the armed forces both past and present. Serving your country is a huge honour and we are delighted to have several current and former military personnel across our entire club. Formerly we have been home to many servicemen from both WW1 & WW2 and currently we have 7 ladies squad members also in the armed forces.

Remembrance Day is about remembering those who gave their lives for our country both past and present, honoring those who put their country before themselves and dedicated their lives to the military, we will not forget them. The armed forces breed fantastically determined and courageous people, Wasps FC have benefitted from these characteristics in their contributions to the club and will continue to welcome and support service men and women to the club, both on and off the field.

We spoke with some of our current armed forces personnel in Wasps Ladies regarding Remembrance Day and rugby;

Daniker Willmore, RAF “ Remembrance Day is so important to honor those who have given us a future. Being a part of the military has allowed me to take the team work, commitment, communication and determination into being a part of the Wasps family”.

Louise Dodd, Army, “The forces celebrate it in the best way possible and that is a remembrance rugby fixture. Annually we come together and play against an international team, previously Wales, and then South Africa.”

Gemma Rowland, Army, “Both the Army and Rugby have provided me with a sense of purpose and belonging. They have taught me a lot about resilience, integrity and team work. I am thankful to Wasps for the support they have always shown their service personnel and I am thankful to the Army for always allowing me to pursue my rugby dreams.”

Sarah Mitchelson, Army, “I have been to many places and achieved many things within the military it has helped mould me as the person I am today. We don’t give up when it’s tough! We stick together and get the job done! #soldierfirst”.

Lucy Nye, RAF “The military teaches you about hard work, discipline and the importance of working as a team, these transfer directly to life at wasps as without these we would not be as successful as we are today.”

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month we will stand with our armed forces comrades, as we do on the rugby field, and remember their fallen colleagues and vow to continue our support and celebration of their military lives.

Special mentions to Gemma Rowland, Louise Dodd, Charlie Maxwell, Sarah Mitchelson, Rose Dixon, Lucy Nye and Daniker Willmore all currently serving in the armed forces and playing at Wasps.