Fed member makes British Police Men's Rugby debut

23 January 2026

A Northamptonshire Police Federation member marked a milestone in his rugby career by making his debut for the British Police Men’s team.

PC Will Barradell came off the bench in a 33-19 defeat to the British Army at Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors.

The lock forward, who has played for England Police Men’s Rugby for the past three seasons, described it as ‘a really proud moment’.

“It was my first cap for British Police, so it was great just to get a run out,” he said. “You always know what you’re going to get with the Army.

“They’re physical, organised and quick.

 

British Police (right) and British Army lined up for the National Anthem before kick-off.

 

“Of course I’d have liked a few more minutes, but I’m competing for a shirt with the captain, so I’ve got to be patient.”

The Army held a 33-0 lead early in the second half after scoring five tries. But the police side finished strongly, scoring three tries themselves.

And Will said he was happy with his contribution from the bench.

“The lads were getting tired, and it’s always nice to bring some energy on,” he said. “Coming on, you’re a bit fresher, and I felt I could contribute.”

Pinnacle

Will described playing for the British team as ‘the pinnacle’ of police rugby.

“I love playing for England Police. It’s a really well-run setup and a good standard of rugby. But this is the pinnacle of it,” he said.

“They’re selecting from lads who play for the four nations, so you’ve got that cross-border, cross-force camaraderie. Pulling on that shirt and representing policing at this level is special.

“Playing against opposition like the army is massive. When they play the navy at Twickenham, it’s an 80,000 sell-out, so it’s good to go out and represent the police against them.”

Togetherness

Will said that the ‘togetherness’ is one of the aspects of police rugby that he values the most.

He said matches are a chance for officers and staff from different forces and departments to come together and develop contacts.

“We don’t get as much time together as we’d like because of work and leave, but we make the most of it when we can,” he said.

“We’ll have an evening together (after the game), enjoy the hospitality here at Sixways, and get to know each other better.

Next match

“Hopefully by the time we play the RAF in February, we’ll be even more close-knit.”

Will said that rugby sometimes has to take a back seat due to shift patterns and operational commitments, but he continues to play when he can.

He has previously turned out for Old Northamptonians and was even making a guest appearance for a club team in Wales last weekend.

“I'm visiting friends in Pembrokeshire and playing a game for their local side,” he said. “They were struggling for players and asked me to bring my boots.”

Will spoke about the wider benefits of sport for officers, particularly the time it provides away from the pressures of the job.

Release

“I’ve played rugby since I was seven or eight years old and I love it,” he said. “The game itself and the time with your teammates give you that release.

“It’s a break from the frontline spent with people who all understand the job, share the same sense of humour and look out for each other.”

He added that the values learned through sport closely mirror those required in policing.

“You get discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, all of which are crucial in the police,” Will said. “Whether you’re on response, neighbourhoods, dogs or firearms, we’re all working towards the same goal. That’s exactly what we’re doing when we go out on the pitch.”

Summer tour

This year promises to be an exciting one on the rugby field for Will. After making his debut for the British Police this week, he is eyeing involvement in their fixtures against the RAF and the Navy.

And he has been selected by England Police Men’s Rugby for a summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay, and is seeking funding from the Northamptonshire Police Sports and Social Club to help subsidise the cost.

“Hopefully I can get some sort of funding because it would be great to go and represent my country and policing,” he added.

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