Marine Corps Base Quantico will be the main host for the first U.S. Marine Corps and British Royal Marine collaboration of games known as Exercise Virginia Gauntlet from April 20 to May 1, and rugby will be part of the competition.

About 250 Marines will compose the Quantico varsity teams and All-Marine teams that will compete against the British Royal Marines.

The final rugby match is expected to have the Commandant General of the British Royal Marines, Maj. Gen. Ed Davis, OBE, and the COmmandant of the US Marine Corps, General James Amos in attendance.

The idea for the games originated when then Commandant of the British Royal Marines, Maj. Gen. Buster Howes, petitioned Gen. Amos, to hold the games in a letter dated April 29, 2011. Amos responded with the full support of the U.S. Marine Corps less than a month later.

Rugby players from throughout the Marine Corps are expected to participate, as well as the Quantico varsity team. Check back with RUGBYMag for more on the competition.