As part of Army’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the Army Rugby men’s team faced Randwick Rugby Club in a fast-paced match at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, competing for the Peter Meagher Trophy. 

Held during the Forces Command Army open day on March 14, the game honoured Army’s history and the legacy of Peter Meagher, a retired NSW Police officer and Randwick club legend killed in the 2025 Bondi terrorism attack. 

Randwick claimed the trophy with a five-tries-to-three victory, fittingly taking home the silverware named for their fallen team-mate.

Army was forced to fight hard to hold structure and build pressure against Randwick’s speed and ability to move the ball wide. 

Army weathered the rampaging play and struck back in the second half to prevent a blow-out.

The game followed a tough, three-day match preparation, training at the Gosford Kariong Rugby Club, where players also conducted coaching sessions with junior teams. 

Many players were called up on short notice, including Sergeant Simione Corfe Vuniwaqalevu, who came out of semi-retirement to join the side. 

Usually a full-back or winger, he was shifted into the forward pack as a flanker, but still scored two tries. Army’s other try came from Sergeant Apaitia Matalau.

“My first rugby game was at Vic Barracks back in 2013 and it was good to close it off with two tries at Vic Barracks again and put a full stop on that rugby career,” Sergeant Corfe Vuniwaqalevu said.

Despite the limited preparation, Sergeant Corfe Vuniwaqalevu said the team was determined to perform in Peter Meagher’s honour.

“It took a while to get there, but I think we put up a good fight and gave them a good showing for the four quarters,” he said.

Team captain Sergeant Joshua Allen said the players felt a strong sense of pride representing Army Rugby and competing for a meaningful trophy.

“We didn’t get the win, but we came together with pride in the Army Rugby jersey and played for the trophy and the memory behind it,” he said. 

He said playing at the historic Victoria Barracks – where World War II soldiers stayed before marching to the port to join the war – added to the honour, despite the loss.