United Services Portsmouth

Match report by Paul Colley

USP 1XV vs Bognor
United Services Portsmouth had their first hit-out of the season against last season's Counties 1 champions, Bognor. With the two-league differential, US expected a tough pre-season match.
The task was made somewhat tougher with several late withdrawals, leaving US with 22 players versus Bognor's large 40-man squad.
The game started with US facing a very strong wind, leaving no option to kick for position, and Bognor could pin the Red & Blue deep in their own half. Scrums were pretty even, with US getting the occasional nudge, and again, the lineouts were also pretty even, with Lilley & Cosh solid on their own ball and pressurising the Bognor throw.
The game was fairly tight, but operating deep in their own territory eventually took its toll, with the Green & Whites scoring a couple of well-worked tries.
After 20 minutes came a double blow, as skipper Cam Moore and Vice-Captain Oli Lilley both left the field injured.
However, it was time for Club Captain Baz Barnes to step up, both in defence with crunching tackles and combining with new Navy player Kieran Robinson in attack to carve some nice openings in the centres.
Reade & Hammond were carrying hard and forcing Bognor onto the back foot. Quick ruck ball and nice hands from Klappholz saw Barnes hit the hole, round one and through another, and US were on the scoreboard.
US now had probably their best period of the game. Still playing into a significant wind, ball retention was good, and big prop Merrikin hit a lovely line to crash through for US's second score.
Kicks from out wide against the wind were almost impossible, but with 10 points on the board, US were still in it.
Bognor had a lot of attacking threats and rounded the half with another try to close the half at 10-26.

With the use of the wind, Klappholz pinned the Green & White back, and a series of well-worked lineouts led to an excellent drive for Norrish to score on debut.
The third quarter closed 15-26, and it was a hard-fought, competitive game so far.
However, US were regularly losing players to injury and, as they entered the last 10 minutes, Bognor showed their class to pull away and score two more excellent tries.
With five minutes to go, US were down to 14 players, and Bognor showed their league-winning form. Their 13, both wings and 15 showed tremendous pace and skill to run in three tries against a tiring side.
Final score: United Services Portsmouth 15-57 Bognor
Mark & I took a lot from tonight. It was always going to be tough, but I was very pleased with the heart and skill we demonstrated. Bognor have a lot of pace and, ultimately, we just ran out of gas.
We wish Bognor all the best as they step up to regional rugby. It is a big step, but they have pace across the whole team, so they should go well.
Man of the Match
Baz Barnes - thunderous tackles, strong lines and excellent leadership.
Runners-up
Ed Reade - came on after we lost Oli Lilley and gave us much-needed go-forward.
Charlie Norrish - on debut, slotted in extremely well with great energy and power.
*Photos by Keith Woodland*

🏉 FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS TEAM SHEET! 🔴🔵

Pre-season kicks off as US Portsmouth take on Bognor in what promises to be a tough opening test. 💪

🕡 Clubhouse open: 18:30
🏉 Kick-off: 19:30
📍 HMS Temeraire

The squad is ready. Now we need YOU on the sidelines! 🔥

Come down, get behind the boys and let’s get pre-season underway! 🔴🔵⚓️

🏉 PRE-SEASON IS HERE! 🔵🔴

United Services Portsmouth kick off their pre-season against Bognor, last season’s Hampshire Counties 1 Champions — so we know the boys are in for a tough opening test! 💪

📍 HMS Temeraire
⏰ KO 19:30
🍻 Clubhouse open from 18:30

Come down, grab a drink, get behind the lads and make some noise from the sidelines! Your support is hugely appreciated as we get the 2026/27 season underway.

🔵🔴 COME ON USP! 🔴🔵

At United Services Portsmouth, we’re lucky to have a fantastic 3G pitch right on our doorstep, and this season, we’ll be making the most of it! 🔥
Our 3G facilities give our players the perfect environment to train, develop and prepare for match day, whatever the weather throws at us.😮‍💨😉 Contact us:
for the seniors; [email protected]
for the youths; [email protected]

2027 - 6 Nations International - England v Italy - 20 Feb 27

Club Members are invited to purchase tickets for this match through the RNRU prior to tickets going on General Sale to the public.

Saturday 20 February 2027
England v Italy
Twickenham Stadium
KO 16:40

Applications should be made to [email protected] before 26 August 2026

Ticket Category Price;

Premium
£134

One
£124

Two
£103

Three
£91

Four
£71

Junior Tickets for this match are priced at £15 (Age 15 or under on the date of the fixture)



Please specify your requirements for the match, which category of ticket and the number you wish to apply for, adult and junior - then subject to availability the RNRU will order them..

Please note:

1 - When ticket allocations have been confirmed, the Treasurer will provide you with details and request that you make arrangements for payment.

2 - By making an application for tickets you will be committing to purchasing these tickets.

3. The Treasurer will respond to confirm your application is received, if you do not get confirmation please get in touch again, but no later than 26 August 26.

This allocation is for Club Members only. If you are not a member yet, please join and pay your subscription.

All bids are to be submitted by email to [email protected] before 26 August 26.

There will be a separate application process in September for the remaining 2027 England Home 6 Nations International fixtures - details will be posted on the club website

George WL Ramshaw
Treasurer
United Services Portsmouth RFC
[email protected]

At the AGM on 28 July, United Services Portsmouth RFC proudly unveiled our brand-new playing kit for the 2026/27 season.

A huge thank you to Tom Pickergill from Akuma Sports, who officially presented the new strip to Club Captain Bailey “Baz” Barnes.

With the promise of free pies and plenty of new stash to browse, there was a fantastic turnout from members and players, who also had the chance to try on the latest Akuma range ahead of the pre-season order window.

We’re delighted to be renewing our partnership with Akuma Sports and can’t wait to see everyone proudly wearing the new colours this season. Keep an eye out—the USPRFC ‘Club Shop’ will be launching very soon!

💙❤️

🏴‍☠️ THE 2026/27 BUCCANEERS FIXTURES ARE HERE! 🏉

The wait is over… the Buccaneers are ready to set sail for another season! 💪

A campaign packed with tough battles, local rivalries, and plenty of opportunities to make Burnaby Road a fortress. Whether we’re defending home turf or taking the fight on the road, every fixture is another chance to wear the badge with pride.

We need your support every step of the way! Bring your family, bring your friends, and get behind the Buccaneers as we look to make this a season to remember. Your voice from the sidelines makes all the difference! 🔴🔵

Which fixture are you looking forward to the most? Let us know below! 👇

🏉💙❤️

🏉 THE WAIT IS OVER… OUR 2026/27 FIXTURES ARE HERE! 🔥

The road ahead is set, and it’s shaping up to be a huge season for the United Services Portsmouth 1st XV.

From pre-season preparations to the final whistle in April, every match is another opportunity to represent the badge with pride, passion and commitment. 🔴💙❤️🔵

There are some massive home fixtures at Burnaby Road, tough away days, old rivalries renewed and plenty of exciting rugby to come. We can’t wait to see our supporters behind the team every step of the way.

📍 Save the dates.
📣 Bring your voice.
🏉 Back the boys.

🏴‍☠️ MARAUDERS 7s | TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ❤️

One team. One goal. One club.

The Marauders 7s are ready for Solent 7s on 11th July, bringing together a squad built on commitment, teamwork, and pride. Backed by an experienced coaching and management team, they’re ready to represent the club and give everything for the badge.

Good luck to everyone involved. Play for each other, embrace every challenge, and enjoy the occasion. We’re all behind you. 💪🏉

🏴‍☠️ TEAM SHEET ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATE🏉

The Buccaneers 7s squad is locked in and ready for Solent 7s on 11th July! 💙💛 Best of luck to our players, coaches, and management team as they represent the club. Time to work hard, play fast, and leave it all on the pitch. Let’s go, Buccaneers! 💪⚓