Petersfield RFC are delighted to have been chosen as the venue for the 17th Royal Navy Rugby League State of Origin Match, sponsored by QinetiQ. If you haven’t seen Rugby League up close and personal, this is a great chance to witness an awesome spectacle!

The concept of the RNRL State of Origin is to divide the UK north to south with players based in Ships and Units East of Southampton representing the Eastern Commands, (the Blues), and those West of Southampton represent the Western Commands, (the Maroons). Initially a selection match for the annual inter-services series staged in September, the ‘Origin’ has taken on a life of its own and competition for places is now extremely fierce.

With their normal venue undergoing a rebuild, (Leeds Rhinos Headingley stadium), the RNRL were looking for an alternative venue and we are proud that they chose Penns Place

This year's fixture has been expanded to include two matches; the main East v West game which will be preceded by the . first staging of an Origin Veterans game featuring.

The organizing committee led by Field's own jolly jack tar, Steve Penberthy, along with chairman Stuart Barden, (Captain Pugwash), have set up a fantastic day which promises to be a big day not only for RNRL but for Petersfield.

The Club will be hosting one of its legendary Charity Luncheons in the Clubhouse with places at just £20 per person for 2-courses, plus cheese. (Contact Stuart Barden on sbarden@bardenairport.co.uk
For those not attending the Lunch the clubs other bars and food outlets will be open throughout the day so please come along and support the teams and raise some money for Charity at the same time.

There will also be an opportunity for any youngsters (U12-U15) interested in having a go at Rugby League to join a Grass Roots Coaching session led by the RNRL Women's Team. This session will be delivered by qualified coaches and is free of charge. (60-places only.)

1100 - onwards: Meet the Armed Forces. Everything you ever wanted to know!
1100 - 1200: Royal Marines Cadet Field Gun
1200 - 1400: Charity Lunch
1230 - 1430: Rugby League Coaching
1400: Origin Veterans Kick Off
1530: QinetiQ Origin XVII Kick Off
1700: Presentations
Music throughout the day from the HMS Collingwood VCC Band

Even as a standalone fixture the Origin match is always a great spectacle but this year with everything else happening Origin 17 promises to be one to remember.