US Marine Corps on Rugby Crusa de
The US Marine Corps has a long history of playing rugby, which is why they have taken up an invitation to play in New Zealand.
There isn’t a more iconic institution in the whole of America than the US Marine Corps. And the game the Marines most enjoy playing..?
Rugby, which is why they are travelling down- under to take on the might of the navies of New Zealand, Australian and the United Kingdom in the Four Nations Maritime Cup. The tournament will be hosted by the New Zealand Navy at the Navy sports grounds in Devonport from 22 to 30 September. It will be the first time the US Marine Corps have participated.
When the South Africa navy couldn’t take up the invitation, the Marine Corps jumped at the chance.
“We’re looking forward to hosting all the nations, and having a shot at taking the trophy off current holders, the Royal Navy,” says tournament coordinator commander Pete Young.
“It’s also going to be great hosting the Marines for the first time and we’re looking forward to showing them a uniquely Kiwi experience.”
Marine Corps Rugby has a long- standing tradition dating back to the 1930s. Marines have competed in unit competitions and within Armed Forces competitions at the international level. In recent years, the Corps have transitioned from 15- a- side rugby to 7- a- side rugby as an All- Marine Team and competed annually against the other US services in the Rugby 7s Armed Forces Championships.
The 15- a- side team that will be competing within the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup ( CNRC) will include members of both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy.
“Our players were drawn from Marine Corps bases and air stations world- wide through player application,” says Thomas Cureton, Marine Corps fitness, aquatics and sports section head at the Marine and Family Programs Division.
“For the Four Nations Maritime Cup 40 Marines and sailors will be selected from this application process and will compete in a training camp held aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California from August 18 to September 15. The final roster of ruggers will be composed of 25 athletes.” A 25- man roster fits within the roster requirements for the tournament, allows for substitutions due to fatigue on each game- day and affords the team the opportunity to replace injured players on the active roster.
“This is an opportunity for Rugby Union players from across the four maritime nations to develop and display their playing skills in an international arena,” Thomas said. “But most importantly it’s an opportunity to foster strong national and service partnerships, especially the cohesion between players and the camaraderie that will be gained.”
Thomas is also looking forward to the opportunities the All Blacks visit to Chicago will bring for rugby in the US. “The All Blacks visit to the US will likely serve as an important opportunity to engage a new audience to the sport and hopefully increase interest within the States.”