Golden Ferns Crowned Southern Champions with Stunning Victory Over British Army

The Golden Ferns were crowned 2026 Southern Champions after defeating the British Army 54-12 at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, on Sunday 26 July. 

The final brought together two familiar opponents. The Army had beaten the Ferns 28-24 in last year’s final and had also edged a close league meeting earlier in July. With both sides having progressed through the Southern competition strongly, the match was set up as another competitive contest between two teams that have helped raise standards across the region. 

The Ferns made an excellent start, moving quickly into Army territory from the kick-off before captain Chloe Fletcher powered over inside the opening minute. Mansell converted for a 6-0 lead, and the Ferns doubled their advantage soon afterwards when Dee Latu finished on the left following strong work through the middle. 

The Army responded well after a difficult opening spell. From a scrum near their own line, they broke clear to score an 80-metre try, converting to reduce the deficit to 12-6 and briefly shift the momentum. It was a reminder of the Army’s threat in open field and their ability to punish errors quickly. 

However, the Ferns regained control through their forward carries, support play and quick service from dummy-half. Latu crossed for her second try, Jessie Hood broke through to score beneath the posts, and Trezise added another shortly before half-time. Despite periods of Army pressure, the Ferns’ defence held firm and they reached the interval 28-6 ahead. 

The second half was more even in its opening stages, with both teams completing strong sets and competing physically. The Army continued to work hard for field position, while the Ferns used their bench well, with Ella Shakespeare, Harriet Pearce-Lyons, Nicola Hanson, Tilly Harris, Mel Wilkinson and Alex Rowles all contributing to the team’s energy and structure. 

Hood’s second try and a further score from Fletcher increased the Ferns’ lead, before Fletcher completed her hat-trick from a well-timed Sarah Humphries pass. The Army kept competing despite the scoreline and were rewarded with a converted try after successive penalties and sustained pressure close to the Ferns’ line. 

The Ferns finished strongly. Mansell scored in the corner after the ball was moved to the right, and Fletcher added her fourth try of the afternoon late on. Humphries converted to complete the scoring and seal a 54-12 victory. 

For the Golden Ferns, it was a composed and clinical performance built on early intensity, defensive resilience and strong contributions across the squad. For the Army, there were still moments that showed the quality that had taken them to consecutive finals, particularly in their long-range first-half score and their determined spell of second-half pressure. 

Jessie Hood was named the Rugby Football League’s Player of the Match.