Nottinghamshire officers grateful for Force support in representing England Police Rugby

12 February 2026

Two Nottinghamshire Federation members have praised the support they receive from the Force to represent England Police at rugby.

PC Luke Croft and PC Jake Baldry are front row forwards, and have played rugby for Nottinghamshire, England and Great Britain Police.

The officers, who work on response, recently pulled on the England shirt for the opening fixture of this season’s Four Nations tournament against Wales Police Rugby last year. England won 71-24.

And they said the support they have received from their line managers and colleagues was important in helping them balance work and representing the Force at the highest levels of police rugby.

Action from the England v Wales game

Luke is in his third season playing for England, and earlier this month also represented the British Police Rugby squad. He said: “Balancing shift work, family life, and rugby isn’t easy. You have to make time where you can, training before day shifts.

“I don’t get to play as much outside of police rugby anymore, so it’s nice to be able to play at a competitive level, which is supported by the job.

“The Force is really good with it. Sometimes it’s hard to get the leave but they try to support us as much as they can, which is great.”

Jake added, “It’s difficult to manage everything, but I’ve been really lucky.

Great Britain Police

“Thankfully, colleagues and line managers are really supportive and willing to help me get the time off and try to accommodate my needs so I’m able to attend these events.

“For instance, I went to South Africa in May to represent Great Britain Police. I went to Paris with Nottinghamshire Rugby last year.

“I wouldn’t have had these opportunities if it weren’t for being a police officer, so it’s good they recognise it is such an honour.

“And I keep getting these opportunities because of that support, for which I’m really grateful.”

Jake said that playing police rugby was important to him in many ways.

“Sport is important for mental health, physical health, and social health,” he said.

 “I enjoy my work and being a police officer and making a difference where I can.

Pride

“And I enjoy my rugby massively. They’re the two things I really enjoy

“So to meet people who also have the same interests is great.

“You can talk about the rugby you play, who play for and against, and you can also talk about work and it helps build connections and contacts and friendships.”

Luke also spoke about the pride of playing Nottinghamshire, Great Britain and England.

“It’s nice that at the amateur level, you can represent your country,” he said. “And you’re representing the Force as well.

“It gives you a chance to network with people from other forces and roles which is great.

“It’s a nice thing to be able to do, and I get a lot of satisfaction from that.”

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