Once again the Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) National Inter-Service Carnival has sought a high profile curtain-raiser to conclude the 2002 competition between Army, Navy and Air Force.

This year's inter-Service host union is Air Force.

Defending champion Army is likely to receive stiff opposition from the Royal Australian Navy, keen to take back the WGCDR John Caldwell Shield, laying claim to it the previous two seasons.

The dark horse of the competition, Air Force has been steadily growing in strength and stature and will mount a serious challenge to both the traditional powerhouses of Defence force rugby.

Likewise, the women's competition hosted between Army and Navy is also likely to be evenly contested.

Last year's match saw Army fight back in the second half to score a draw with the Navy side.

As such the Army women's side still remains undefeated at inter-Service level - a mantle which they will strive to emulate in 2002.

This year's draw will see a first round encounter of Army v RAAF at RMC on Saturday, April 20.

Round two (also at RMC on Tues day April 23) will see Navy take on RAAF in the men's and Army v Navy in the women's competition.

After the women's game a tri-Service squad will be chosen for further representative duties, likely to be in October where the team will compete in an Australian Rugby Union invitational event.

The final game of the competition will be played between Army and Navy as a curtain-raiser to the ACT Brumbies versus Highlanders game on Friday, April 26 at Bruce Stadium.

Tickets are likely to be scarce for this game, so supporters of all sides are urged to purchase tickets early to ensure a seat at the concluding game of Inter-Service.

The after-match function will see the ASRU Warriors representative squad announced in preparation for its upcoming tour later in the year.

Games against US Combined Services, Australian Universities, NSW Subbies and Newcastle Hunter Rugby are being planned with negotiations for curtain-raisers also proceeding for major domestic rugby fixtures in Sydney and outlying areas.

Tour dates are likely to be June 15-29 inclusive.

On a final note, ASRU has just launched its website which can be found at: www.servicesrugby.asn.au. Supporters of Defence Force Rugby are invited to access the site, taking a closer look at the history and structure of Services rugby.

By CAPT James Nicholas, Army