LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Two Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing recently represented the U.S. Air Force in New Zealand from Oct. 8-15, 2025 during the highly anticipated Australia, New Zealand, and United States rugby tournament. This tri-nation event featured teams from the U.S. Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. The competition, authorized by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, aims to strengthen camaraderie, resilience, and tradition among allied nations.
For Senior Airman Ryan Namasaka, 56th Medical Support Squadron medical laboratory technician, rugby was not always part of the plan. Growing up in South Africa, he didn’t start playing rugby until the age of 15, discovering a deep passion for the sport that would later intertwine with his military journey.
“Rugby’s a small community. Not many people play it in the U.S.,” Namasaka explained. “So, getting to represent the Air Force on a different level in a rare sport was amazing.”
On the other hand, Senior Airman Calston Harris, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron armament maintenance technician, was practically raised with a rugby ball in hand. Hailing from New Zealand, where rugby is known as the most popular sport, he brought years of experience and cultural pride.
“My dad played professionally so I grew up watching him and wanting to play,” said Harris. “I played for a club called Belmont Shore Rugby Football Club, and that's one of the top clubs in the United States.”
Together, Namasaka and Harris joined their fellow Air Force teammates to compete against the best players from Australia and New Zealand. The matches were physically demanding and strategically intense, but they reflected the values of discipline and determination that defines Airmen across the force.
Known as “the third half,” rugby emphasizes partnerships and respect after the final whistle. Regardless of the outcome, players from all three nations gathered to share stories, food, and friendship. A moment that shows the shared values of teamwork and unity among allied nations.
“While we were playing, we were obviously trying to beat them,” said Harris. “But the camaraderie afterward was the best part of it all. It really felt like a brotherhood.”
Through their dedication on and off the field, Airmen like Namasaka and Harris continue to show how individual talent and resilience can contribute to the Air Force's broader mission. They are a reflection of the strength and unity that define the world’s greatest Air Force.