4 September 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force rugby league team overpowered New Zealand 32-12, but lost 12-0 to Great Britain, finishing second at the recent Air Force Tri-Nations Tournament in the UK.
Front rower Corporal Anthony Hopkin said there was strong rivalry against the Brits.
“Obviously, being over there, you just want to beat them, so we brought a different level of professionalism,” Corporal Hopkin said.
Assistant coach Sergeant Robert Rummery said the teams were closely matched and the standard of play was high.
“It felt bigger and better than the last tournament, and was a chance to catch [up] with some guys we had played in the previous one,” Sergeant Rummery said.
“All the facilities we played at were of a high standard. We played against the English side at their home ground of rugby league, RAF Cranwell.”
Before the competition, the RAAF team held a week-long training camp in Sydney that included six new players.
“Without that week of preparation, we wouldn't have done as well. You're building all those partnerships and everything with the new players,” Sergeant Rummery said.
“So by the time we got there, we were just consolidating what we've already done.”
Before their first game, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell presented the team with their new jerseys.
“It was a pretty good opportunity to receive it from someone with a bit of importance,” Corporal Hopkin said.
All three teams attended a service for a British player who died during a game in 2019.
'They showed us a lot of things that Australia and New Zealand have been involved in where they've all worked together in combat.'
The teams also went on a tour of the site, learning about history and teamwork between the nations.
“They showed us a lot of things that Australia and New Zealand have been involved in where they've all worked together in combat,” Corporal Hopkin said.
“It's good to see and find out more of what we've done.”
Corporal Hopkin is the longest-serving player in the RAAF team, with 21 years under his belt. The July tournament was also his last event as a player.
“It makes me feel old, but I’m lucky to have been involved for so long and made so many lifelong mates,” he said.
Prior to the tour, they developed a conditioning and monitoring system to track injuries and concussions.
“We went through some testing beforehand so they could get a baseline and if there were any head knocks afterwards,” Corporal Hopkin said.
“Fortunately, during the tour no one received any concussions.”
Sergeant Rummery said he was looking forward to the next tournament being on home soil and showing the other sides what rugby league is all about in Australia.
The next tri-nations tournament is planned to be held in Australia in 2027, with hopes for a Pacific nations team also to compete.
