Army salutes 125 as rugby champs

Claiming the 2026 ADF Rugby Union Championships title carries special significance for the Australian Army as it marks 125 years of service.

The Army jersey represents more than a result on the scoreboard, with a rugby history dating back to 1919.

The men’s team delivered a commanding performance in the final game to defeat Navy 40-5, while the women overcame the combined Air Force and Navy Blues side 17-5.

Across both competitions Army teams demonstrated outstanding preparation, cohesion and commitment to service pride.

Capt Nicholas Jenkins, who played in his fourth competition, described the experience as a defining moment for those involved.

“The championship is the highlight of the year for many. You frequently hear that people stay in for the chance to continue to play,” he said.

“For individuals, it develops teamwork, courage, physical resilience and mental fortitude, all qualities they take back into their home units.”

Tpr Kiara Schubert, loose head prop, was a newcomer to the game and said the sense of unity went far beyond the scoreboard.

“As amazing as it is to score a try or get a win, my biggest standout moments were the way everyone got around each other,” she said.

“2026 was my first experience with Army Rugby and I must say it has been an exciting and wild journey filled with a lifetime of amazing memories.”

Army hosts its own Inter Brigade Rugby Competition (IBRC) in the lead-up to the ADF Rugby Union Championships, and selects its men’s and women’s squads from the teams involved.

Sgt Yolanda Forsyth, a five-year veteran of Army Rugby, praised the commitment and growth shown across the women’s competition.

“This year’s women’s squad was relatively new, with the majority of players participating in rugby for the first time at IBRC. Despite this, the team quickly developed strong connections, driven by a positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm to learn,” Sgt Forsyth said.

“The cohesion we built during training translated onto the field, resulting in a highly competitive and successful team performance.”

She also praised her Navy and Air Force competitors.

“I appreciate the girls who still turned up and took the field despite the challenges to form a team. The commitment was evident and they proved to be very competitive,” she said.

Beyond the results, the championship at GPS Rugby Club, Ashgrove in Queensland, reinforced the broader role of sport within Defence, according to outside centre Capt Blake Wallace.

“Interservice rivalry strengthens pride, unity and morale within each service, while also building respect across the integrated force,” he said.

“Everyone within the Army Rugby playing group is very approachable and you leave the camp with a great sense of pride knowing you have gained long-lasting friendships. In some cases it feels like you have an extended family.”

Director Army Sport Col Warwick Young said rugby continued to play a central role in developing the attributes required of soldiers.

“Rugby is a cornerstone of Army Sport. It reflects many of the core attributes we seek to develop in our people, including teamwork, resilience, discipline and courage,” he said.

“These competitions are critical – they build pride, rivalry and connection across Army and the services. They’re also our key pathway to identify and select the best.”