Move over Navy, Army
Air Force eyes off traditional rugby rivals

By LACW Simone Liebelt

THE Air Force rugby union side will be looking to move in on the territory of traditional powerhouses Navy and Army at the National Inter-Service Rugby Union Carnival in Sydney from June 7-15.

The squad, featuring 12 new players, last week entered a training camp at Orchard Hills where a trial match was held against the local Penrith side to select the Air Force rugby team.

Following the inter-service carnival, the Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) men’s and women’s teams will be selected for the 2003 tour to play representative games in Sydney and Queensland from June 15-29.

Full timings of matches are published in the ADF Sports Billboard on page 23.

Two level two coaches from the Australian Rugby Union high performance unit and the NSW Rugby Union team are assisting with preparations for the men’s squad, including coaching on tactical moves and strategies.

Air Force Rugby team manager Flight Sergeant Daniel Stack said the men’s squad was much stronger than last year, despite being affected by deployments.

“With 12 new players (in the side) we also hope to see more Air Force players in the ASRU side,” FSGT Stack said.

He added that the Patron of Air Force Rugby, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston, continued to lend his full support.

The support of unit commanding officers was also appreciated in the current operational tempo.

Air Force women’s rugby players will also feature in the action when they combine with Navy to take on Army as a curtain-raiser to the men’s national inter-service final which will be held at North Sydney Oval on June 14.

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