A Nottinghamshire PC has taken over the captaincy of the British Police rugby team, for the first time in more than 70 years.
Steffan Griffiths, 29, has been given the accolade following a successful 10-day rugby tour in the USA, which saw his first game as captain taking on a New York side made up of players from the entire US east coast.
Held in May, he led the GB team to thrash the New York team 147 – nil.
Based as a response officer at the Riverside, Steffan has been playing rugby for 23 years.
Speaking of his pride at taking on the captaincy for Great British Police rugby, he said:
“I have a very hard task in filling Ben Cole’s (Devon and Cornwall Police) shoes as he has been such a great ambassador and fantastic player for Police rugby over the years.”
I felt very honoured to be asked to become the new captain of the side and it is the proudest moment in my rugby career.
-Steffam Griffths feels honoured to be given the accolade.
With Ben stepping down as player and captain, I was asked to take up the position and I can only thank the coaching team and committee for putting their faith in me to lead such a talented squad.
“My aim is to keep working hard in the build-up to the forthcoming police rugby season and hopefully lead the team to a win against Australia Police on 7 October in London and to a successful Police European Cup campaign in the New Year.”
Insp Paul Harris, of Nottinghamshire Police Rugby, said; “We are thrilled that Steff has been given this honour, and have total assurance that he will be an excellent ambassador for GB Police, as he is for Nottinghamshire. He is the ultimate professional, and is an undisputed rugby talent.”
Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: “I am hugely proud of Steffan and his achievement at being asked to captain the British Police in rugby, all the while representing Nottinghamshire and serving our local communities.”
