Pride and pain as Fed member leads British Police Men’s Rugby

26 January 2026

PC Lewis Burley spoke of his pride at captaining the British Police Men’s Rugby side – even if the honour was cut short by cramp during a tough clash with the British Army.

The Gwent Police Federation member was named vice-captain for the fixture at Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors.

But he took over as captain in the second half when his second row partner and skipper, Lyr Griffiths, was replaced.

However, Lewis, who was earning his 23rd cap for the British Police, had to come off himself with severe cramp.

PC Lewis Burley

Despite that, he described the experience as a career highlight.

He said: “It was amazing. It was a great privilege.

“It’s the first time I’ve been captain in a British Police game, but as soon as I got the captaincy, I got absolutely ruined,” he joked.

“I was feeling it for most of the second half, but then all of a sudden, my left leg went and I couldn’t bend it. It was a nightmare.”

British Police

British Police had trailed 33-0 early in the second half, but rallied strongly in the final quarter to score three tries in a 33-19 defeat.

Preparation time for the police team was limited, with the squad assembling for the first time just hours before kick-off.

This was in stark contrast to the Army’s extended training camps.

“We’ve literally rocked up, had 45 minutes to an hour training in the afternoon, and then played in the evening,” he said.

“Considering what we’re up against, it’s difficult because the army usually has weeks of camps beforehand.

Effort

“But I feel we always put in an effort, and we did well considering. We came back together in the second half and took it right to the end.”

Looking ahead, Lewis is now targeting a major milestone with the British Police. With upcoming fixtures against the RAF and Royal Navy, he hopes to reach 25 appearances and with it a coveted silver cap.

“Hopefully I’ll play in all the British Police fixtures this year, and then I’ll get my 25 caps in the last game,” he said. “You get a cap for 12 games, a silver cap for 25, and then 50 is a gold cap.”

Despite the result and the frustration of injury, Lewis said ‘it’s always an honour’ to represent the British Police.

He added: “To lead the side, even for a short period, is something I’ll be proud of.”

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