A Suffolk soldier soaked up the “unreal” atmosphere generated by 80,000 fans at the home of rugby union.

Gunner Connor O’Reilly was on the winning squad for the centenary Army v Navy match at Twickenham.

The 23-year-old centre, from Woodbridge, who also plays for Bury St Edmunds, ran out in the same fixture last year but was a reserve this time.

The crowd included Prince Harry – patron of the Invictus Games Foundation – and Suffolk’s anthem singer for England Rugby, Laura Wright.

Gnr O’Reilly, a former Farlingaye pupil, who serves as a light gun operator with the 7th Parachute Regiment, part of Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “Being there was a great experience. The atmosphere was unreal.

“I’ve been playing since I was 10 and being in the army has sent me to places like Australia, France, Germany and Portugal.

“I was a reserve, but didn’t want anyone to miss out, so I’ll push for it next year.”