British Police Rugby traces its roots back to 2 April 1925, when the newly formed Police Rugby Football Union (PRFU) played its very first fixture — a historic match against a Civil Service XV at Rodney Parade, the iconic home of Newport RFC. Led by captain William “Bill” Ould, a two-time Wales international, the side featured seven capped players and opened its story with an impressive 19–11 victory.
That debut match set the tone for what the PRFU would become: a unifying force for rugby-playing police officers and a team capable of competing with the long-established Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force representative XVs.
The early decades reflected the realities of the amateur game — police officers juggling demanding shifts, club commitments, family life, and in some cases even international duties.
Despite these challenges, the squad quickly earned a reputation for its toughness, pride, and competitive edge, firmly establishing itself as a respected representative team.
Throughout its history, British Police Rugby has been shaped by the exceptional individuals who have represented the Section both on and off the field. Among them are figures such as Ronny Carey — now Honorary Secretary — an Irish international who once faced the All Blacks in Dunedin; England legends Dean Richards and Dorian West; Preston Grasshoppers’ Wade Dooley and his international lock partner Paul Ackford; Scotland’s Derek Turnbull; and former Wales captain and gifted fly-half Bleddyn Bowen.
The Section’s heritage is also entwined with some of rugby’s greatest pre-war names, including British & Irish Lions Jack Bassett (1930) and Bob Alexander (1938), the latter tragically losing his life in Sicily during the Second World War. Their presence, alongside many other notable players of the era, brought invaluable experience and elevated the performance and profile of the Police XV.
Today, modern leaders such as Director of Rugby Neil Mitchell, long-serving former Saracens back-rower and ex-captain turned coach Ben Cole, and former Metropolitan Police Commander Nick Bracken — supported by a dedicated team of volunteers — continue to strengthen the Section.
Their commitment ensures that British Police Rugby remains a respected and enduring part of the representative rugby landscape.
The centenary year in 2025 marks a defining moment for British Police Rugby — a chance to reflect with pride and look ahead with purpose. It offers a moment to honour the pioneers who established the section in 1925, and to recognise the generations of players, coaches, and volunteers whose commitment has shaped its success over the past century.
But this milestone isn’t only about looking back. It also signals a renewed chapter. With the resurgence of the Police Forces Competition (PSUK) and the launch of the Four Nations Police Rugby tournament (4NPR), British Police Rugby is entering one of its most exciting eras yet.
The section remains steadfast in its mission: to create meaningful opportunities for officers to excel on the field while continuing to embody the values and spirit of the police service.
One of the defining features of British Police Rugby is its truly global footprint. Over the decades, the team has taken to the field in some of the sport’s most iconic arenas — from Carisbrook in New Zealand and Ellis Park in South Africa to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Touring has long been woven into the identity of the Police XV, offering players the chance to represent UK policing on the world stage and build connections far beyond home soil.
What began with local tours to Devon and Cornwall in the 1930s has evolved into a rich tradition of international travel. In recent years, players have experienced rugby cultures across Australia and New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, and Hong Kong.
These journeys have not only strengthened the squad’s camaraderie but also fostered international goodwill, reinforcing the team’s role as ambassadors for both the sport and the police service.