The Defence Academy was proud to host this year’s Lerwill Cup (11 June), welcoming officers, staff and senior leaders from France’s École de Guerre (EdG) to Shrivenham for a programme that combined intellectual challenge, sporting rivalry and international partnership.
Held annually and hosted alternately by the two institutions, the Lerwill Cup has been a cornerstone of UK–French military engagement since 1998, fostering professional relationships that extend far beyond the classroom and the rugby field.
This year’s events were attended by the Commandant and Chief Executive of the Defence Academy, Major General Peter Rowell MBE, and the Director of the École de Guerre, Major General (Air) Vincent Breton, underlining the enduring importance of the relationship between the two colleges and the wider defence partnership between the United Kingdom and France.
More than a sporting fixture, the Lerwill Cup provides a valuable opportunity for future military leaders from both nations to build trust, exchange ideas and strengthen the personal connections that underpin effective international cooperation. Through debate, sport and informal engagement, participants gained a deeper understanding of different perspectives while discovering the many values the two institutions share.
The programme began with the annual Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC)–EdG debate, held in the Collingwood Room and attended by senior leaders from both organisations. Mixed teams of UK and French course members were tasked with debating the motion:
“This House supports a more transactional transatlantic relationship.”
After spending the day preparing their arguments, participants delivered a thoughtful and engaging debate that showcased the intellectual agility, analytical thinking and collaborative approach expected of contemporary military leaders. Working in multinational teams encouraged officers to draw on different experiences and viewpoints, reinforcing the value of professional military education in developing leaders capable of operating in multinational environments.
As with previous Lerwill debates, the evening demonstrated that while nations may approach challenges from different perspectives, shared discussion and mutual respect remain powerful tools for building understanding and strengthening alliances.
A new chapter in the Lerwill Cup story was written this year with the introduction of an inaugural women’s touch rugby match. The fixture reflected the evolving nature of the armed forces and the Defence Academy’s commitment to creating opportunities for broader participation across the exchange programme.
Played in front of supporters from both nations, the match was characterised by enthusiasm, teamwork and friendly competition. The occasion provided a fitting celebration of the contribution women make across defence and demonstrated that sport continues to be a powerful vehicle for bringing people together regardless of nationality, service or background.
The Defence Academy team secured victory in the historic first encounter.
Women’s touch rugby result: Defence Academy 4 – 3 École de Guerre.
Attention then turned to the main event: the men’s Lerwill Cup rugby fixture.
Representing the Defence Academy’s ACSC, alongside other Defence Academy personnel, the home side faced a determined EdG team in a fiercely contested match that embodied the competitive spirit for which the competition is known.
Played with intensity and passion, the game showcased the commitment, resilience and teamwork of both sides. While victory was ultimately secured by the Defence Academy, the match was played in the true spirit of the Lerwill Cup, competitive on the pitch, but founded on respect, friendship and shared purpose. The result ensured the Lerwill Cup remained in Shrivenham for the upcoming year.
Men’s Rugby result: Defence Academy 31 – 22 École de Guerre.
Following the matches, participants, staff and guests gathered for a formal dinner and social event, providing an opportunity to celebrate the week’s successes and continue building relationships in a more informal setting.
While the debate and rugby fixtures remain key highlights of the programme, the true success of the Lerwill Cup is measured in the connections formed between participants. Events such as these help create the personal and professional networks that strengthen interoperability, enhance mutual understanding and contribute to future cooperation between allied nations.
In an increasingly interconnected security environment, military partnerships rely not only on shared capabilities, but on trusted relationships. The Lerwill Cup continues to provide a unique setting in which future leaders from the United Kingdom and France can challenge one another, learn from one another and build friendships that may endure throughout their careers.
The Lerwill Cup will continue its tradition next year when the event returns to France, carrying forward a partnership that remains as important today as it was when the competition first began almost three decades ago.