WHENUAPAI AIR BASE, New Zealand – The Department of the Air Force men’s and women’s rugby teams crossed the international dateline in early October to compete in the ANZUS Shield tournament, strengthening ties with allied air forces through sport.
Invited by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the DAF Rugby teams geared up and traveled from all over to compete against the RNZAF and Royal Australian Air Force rugby teams.
Established in 2011, the ANZUS Shield is awarded in the 15s competition—the traditional rugby union format featuring 15 players per side. This competition traces its origins to 2009, when the RAAF visited Fort Benning, Georgia, to play the U.S. Air Force team. Since then, the Shield has symbolized camaraderie, competition, and the enduring partnership between allied air forces. The USAF team won that match 34-18. In 2011, the USAF team defeated the RAAF in Brisbane, Australia, but the RNZAF ultimately took the entire competition, defeating both teams.
The tournament was scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Men’s head coach Col. Saleem Razvi has been working to bring the tournament back since then.
“Being part of this tournament is an absolute honor,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re deeply thankful to the RNZAF for their hospitality and for helping strengthen the partnerships that make events like this possible.”
A celebration of camaraderie
The ANZUS Shield is more than a game; it is a celebration of international military camaraderie, mutual respect and the enduring strength of allied cooperation.
Upon arrival, the DAF and RAAF teams were greeted with a traditional Pōwhiri welcoming ceremony at the Te Whetu Moana Mārae located at Devonport Naval Base, Auckland. The warm welcome shared by the RNZAF strengthened the connection between athletes from each nation as they participated in the ceremony.
Women’s competition
The tournament started Oct. 9 with the women's Rugby 7s. The DAF women’s team, fresh off their silver medal in early August at the Armed Forces Rugby Tournament, used their communication skills and teamwork to defeat the RNZAF team, 24-14, and the RAAF team, 34-10, on day one.
The tournament continued Oct. 11 with fierce competition on the pitch. The DAF women’s team lost to RNZAF 12-5 in their first match of the day but rebounded to beat RAAF 24-5. The team also won a 10s match against a combined RNZAF-RAAF team, 15-10, closing out the tournament as champions for the first time.
“This year’s tournament was about more than just competition, it was about connection,” said Maj. Adekunbi Adewunmi, women’s head coach.
“Seeing the women take the field to play in ANZUS for the first time was a proud moment for everyone involved,” Adewunmi said. “These international matchups strengthen our bonds on and off the field, building trust and teamwork that extend well beyond the game.”
Men’s competition
For the first time in six years, the men's team came together for a full 15s match. While the men’s team just recently took home silver at the Armed Forces Rugby Tournament, they have primarily played the faster-paced 7s format.
On day one, the team started practicing the skills necessary for a 15s match, showcasing their discipline and dedication. Coming together as a team, they practiced line outs, scrums and rucks to build the trust needed for their matches.
On Oct. 11, the DAF men narrowly lost to RAAF 27-24. Two days later, RNZAF defended its home pitch with a 58-24 win over DAF. RAAF claimed the overall tournament victory.
The competition on the pitch was fierce; however, the camaraderie built between the teams was evident upon the conclusion of the match with high fives and hugs as the DAF team congratulated the RAAF team on their win.
Despite the losses, Razvi praised his team’s effort: “Every player out here gave it everything they had. This tournament showed our resilience and teamwork, and you can bet we’ll be ready to come back even stronger next time.”
Honoring shared sacrifice
The prize for the ANZUS Shield Competition is known as the Paul-Milne Shield; its history stems from Pilot Officer Milne, RAAF, who died on a World War II air mission while serving with a U.S. Aircrew on Nov. 26, 1942.
Since his remains, and those of the U.S. Army Air Corps Tech. Sgt. Joseph E. Paul, were individually unidentifiable, they were buried together in the same casket in grave 4754, Section 34, Arlington National Cemetery.
The ANZUS International Tournament honors the long-standing commitment, partnership and shared sacrifices of the U.S., Australian, and New Zealand Air Forces in combined operations across the globe.
DAF Rugby
The DAF Rugby teams, sponsored by the DAF Sports Program, are made up of Airmen and Guardians from the Total Force, including active duty, Guard, and Reserve.
The tournament was funded through Nonappropriated Funds, allowing competition to continue during a lapse in appropriations.
Airmen and Guardians interested in competing in a sport in the DAF Sports Program can find more information and apply at www.DAFSports.com. Upcoming opportunities are also advertised at installation fitness facilities.