LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a landmark rugby league anniversary, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Navy will go head to head in an all-armed forces clash at RAF Cranwell for the opening round of the Challenge Cup.
This match holds great significance as it marks 30 years since the ban on armed forces personnel playing rugby league was lifted.
The game, set to be broadcast on BBC, owes its existence to Squadron Leader Damian Clayton, who fought tirelessly for the sport's inclusion.
Despite facing opposition from senior figures in the forces, Clayton formed the "Blue Bombers" and played unofficial games against orders in the early 1990s.
Eventually, his efforts, alongside those of Martin Coyd in the Army, led to rugby league being approved for armed forces play.
On April 29, 1994, Jeremy Hanley, the Minister of State for Armed Forces, announced in the Commons that rugby league was finally permitted.
This match serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of those who paved the way for armed forces personnel to compete in the sport they love.