ROYAL Navy officer and rugby star Kye Beasley said getting the chance to play in New Zealand was a great experience.

The loosehead prop went over to the rugby-loving country as part of the Navy’s squad to play in a competition against their counterparts from the host nation, Australia and the USA.

After putting in fine displays in the three matches, which saw the British side claim two wins, Beasley was then selected to appear as part of the Naval Select XV for a game against the New Zealand Police.

They were beaten 45-19 by the cops, but the air engineering technician based at RNAS Culdrose said this did not take the shine off the tour.

Beasley said: “It was the first time I have ever been out there and to be able to play rugby in a place where it is such a big deal was good.

“There was not a great deal of difference in terms of how the game is played out there compared to here, but what is noticeable is how much more intense everyone is about rugby.”

He went onto say being selected to appear as part of the combined team at the end of the trip was an honour.

Alongside him in the mixed team was fellow Culdrose colleague Marsh Cormack.

With a friend in the line-up was good according to Beasley, but he added being among other players from around the world was also fantastic.

“I felt that I had possibly been the best player in my position during the tournament, so I had an inkling I might make it into the squad,” he said.

“It was good to have Marshall in the team as well, but at the same time it was different being able to play with guys from other nations too.

“In the front row there was me, an Aussie and a Kiwi so we had a three nations, which was interesting to be a part of.”

Now back home in Helston, Beasley said he is focused on trying to stay in the minds of selectors for the Navy team which also features Culdrose-based Dave Pascoe, who captained the side in New Zealand.

The forward who plays his club rugby for Penryn has appeared in the famous Babcock Cup match, between the Army and Navy, at Twickenham and hopes to be involved again.

Beasley said: “The tournament in New Zealand was all about building up to the Inter-Services Championship which starts after Christmas.

“I was injured earlier this year when the Army v Navy match took place at Twickenham so I had to miss out, but I hope my performances lately plus anymore I get at Penryn or the Navy can get me in that side come May.”

Tickets are on sale for the Babcock Cup game via www.navyrugbyunion.co.uk on November 3.