Army and Navy Rugby take on the ’Tahs

Super XV team the HSBC Waratahs cheered on a combined Army and Navy rugby team as they took on the ’Tahs coaching and support staff in a friendly hit-up today at Victoria Barracks in Paddington ahead of a Commemorative Rugby match at the Sydney Football Stadium this weekend.

The Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy rugby teams will play the curtain raiser to the Weary Dunlop Trophy match between the Waratahs and the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, 21 April 2012.  The match is held annually, and commemorates Anzac Day by recognising and honouring past and present service personnel.  

Today’s game was attended by the former Chief of Defence Force and current board member of Australian Rugby Union, General Peter Cosgrove (retired).

“One of the things that has made me very happy over the years is the integration of services rugby into the wider rugby community,” General Cosgrove said.

“Army, Navy and of course, Air Force are proud members of the rugby family.”

Among the highlights of the day was the competitive spirit of the Mitchell brothers, Waratahs Winger Drew Mitchell, and siblings Sergeant Zane Mitchell and Corporal Bronsen Mitchell, who both play for Army.

“It’s a tremendous thing for us, and an opportunity for us to acknowledge and honour the sacrifices and the work that our servicemen and women do,” Drew Mitchell said.

“On Saturday night I have the honour of running the bench, and to my middle brother Bronsen, you’re on the bench at this stage – I can’t guarantee you any minutes.  Maybe I’ll let you run out the water,” joked Drew. 

Rugby union has a long and impressive history in the Australian Defence Force, dating back to 1919.  Approximately 1300 men and 200 women currently participate in the sport across the Australian Defence Force.

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=11122680.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999