UK Armed Forces Rugby Announces Vodafone as Headline Sponsor for UKAF Rugby and IDRC 2025
The UK Armed Forces Rugby (UKAF) organisation is proud to announce Vodafone UK as the official Headline Sponsor for both UKAF Rugby and the Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) 2025.
This exciting partnership, officially launched on Armed Forces Day, reflects Vodafone’s long-standing commitment to the UK’s military community and its values of service, resilience, and teamwork. The sponsorship marks a significant investment in the future of armed forces sport and the continued development of rugby across all three services.
As part of this collaboration, Vodafone will support UKAF Rugby’s competitive programmes and player development across men’s and women’s teams. The partnership also extends to the IDRC 2025, a premier international tournament hosted by the UK, bringing together military women’s rugby teams from around the world — including Australia, Ireland, France, Fiji, Tonga, Zambia, and the UK Armed Forces.
AVM Cab Townsend CBE RAF, Chair of UKAF Rugby, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Vodafone as our Headline Sponsor. Their commitment to the armed forces community aligns perfectly with our own mission: to promote excellence, teamwork, and opportunity through sport. With Vodafone’s support, we are excited to deliver a world-class IDRC tournament and continue developing elite-level rugby within the services.”
The IDRC 2025 not only celebrates sporting excellence but also strengthens international bonds, showcases the role of women in defence, and highlights the positive impact of sport within military life. The tournament will take place in venues around London this summer, with family-friendly match days and affordable tickets aimed at broadening engagement and accessibility.
Vodafone’s sponsorship forms part of a wider set of initiatives announced this year, including their role as Presenting Partner of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025, and their recognition as one of the Great British Employers of Veterans.
