'Massive honour': Fed member selected for British Police Men's Rugby
13 January 2026
A West Mercia Police Federation member says he was ‘shocked’ to be selected in the British Police Men’s Rugby team.
PC Finley 'Fin' Barnes has been named in the starting XV to play against the British Army in the British Police’s first fixture of 2026.
Fin said: “I genuinely didn’t expect it.
“I didn’t get a call or any sort of notice. I was just added into a group chat and then a letter came through.
PC Finley 'Fin' Barnes in action
“It came as a real shock, but it’s a huge honour. To be able to say you’re representing British Police is a big achievement and I can’t wait to get started.”
The back-row forward’s call-up comes off the back of his involvement with England Police.
He was first selected by his country at the start of 2025 and featured in the Four Nations, which is contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
He also played in a win over the Fire Service and, more recently, played in England Police’s victory over Wales in this season’s Four Nations.
Barbarians
Fin will face a stern first test against the Army, not least because the British Police squad is set to meet up for the first time on the afternoon of the game.
“It seems to be classic Barbarians style,” Fin said.
“We’ll have a quick training session, get to know all the lads and then it’s back out on the pitch to play in the evening.”
The match takes place on Wednesday (14 January) at Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium, effectively making it a home game for the West Mercia Police officer.
“It’ll be tough, but having it so close to home is brilliant,” he said.
Rugby has been a constant in Fin’s life since the age of 10. He has developed through the age-grade system at his local club, where he still plays today.
Alongside his club commitments, he has also represented West Mercia Police Rugby, and balances training, matches, and national duties alongside the demands of frontline policing.
Training
And he is clear about the wider value of rugby within policing.
“It’s great for morale and networking,” he said. “You meet officers from different forces, share experiences, and build strong relationships.
“It’s tough to juggle alongside the job, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
West Mercia Police Federation secretary Lesley Williams congratulated Fin on his selection.
She said: “We’re proud to support Fin as he represents British Police. It’s a great achievement and thoroughly deserved. We wish him and the team the best of luck.”
Detective Inspector Dave Knight, West Mercia Police Men's Rugby manager, added: "West Mercia Police has a rich history of supplying quality players to our national sides, and Fin is the latest to represent our club.
"His selection is thoroughly deserved and is recognition of his hard work, commitment, and his talent.
"We wish him all the best for what is going to be a tough series of matches under the lights at the home of Worcester Warriors."
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