USA military Rugby tour of UK

Honored to Serve: Reflections onManaging the USA Military Rugby Tour to the United Kingdom

Representing the United States is always a profound honor, but having theopportunity to serve as the Team Manager for the USA Military Rugby Tour to theUnited Kingdom was an experience that stands apart in its significance. Thisprogram is unique—not only does it support active-duty service members, but italso creates opportunities for military veterans to continue representing theircountry through sport. That blend of experience, perspective, and sharedservice made this tour truly special.

From the moment our squad assembled, I felt the weight and privilege ofmy role. Managing a team composed of active-duty personnel and veterans—eachwith their own duties, commitments, and personal journeys—requires trust,respect, and a genuine appreciation for their dedication. I was humbled eachday by the professionalism, resilience, and pride our players carried withthem.

It was also incredibly special to have eight members of the Seattle RugbyClub with us as players and staff.

Among the players, Nokoni Fogg, Dennis Munter, and FreddieTafuna were truly exceptional—on the field, in their preparation, and inthe pride with which they represented both the military and the Seattle RugbyClub.

And just as important were the Seattle Rugby Club members who supportedus in essential off-field roles:

• Nick Punimata, who was on the management team     and is the club’s military liaison, whose coordination and support were     invaluable.
• Brian Power, who provided outstanding     medical care and kept our athletes ready for battle.
• Dave Enright, whose management experience     ensured our operations stayed sharp and professional.
• Jennie Flynn, whose logistical support kept     the tour running smoothly from start to finish.

This tour would not have been possible without the generosity and beliefof our community back home. A huge shout-out goes to the Seattle RugbySupporters who stepped up and donated to make this dream a reality.Heartfelt thanks to:

• Jerry and Victoria Penington (PPC     Painting)
• Raymark Plumbing
• The Powerfund
• Titan Earthworks
• The Greiling Family
• Mike Girton
• The Martyn Foundation

Also, a special thank you to the coaching staff and especially head CoachAllen Clarke of the Seattle Seawolves for volunteering his time to support thisteam and mission .

Your support didn’t just help send a team overseas—you helped send amessage about unity, service, and pride in our military rugby community.

Traveling to the UK, we knew we weren’t just representing Americanrugby—we were ambassadors of the U.S. military community in its broadest sense.Every interaction, every training session, and every moment in uniformreflected the shared values and long-standing partnership between our nations’armed forces.

Facing the British Army on their home turf was the defining moment of thetour. And while we ultimately lost the match, the experience reminded us thatthere were far more wins to be found throughout the journey. Wins in personalgrowth. Wins in teamwork. Wins in the relationships strengthened betweenactive-duty members, veterans, and club teammates standing side by side. Winsin the respect exchanged between two military rugby programs built on honor andtradition.

Off the field, these victories became even more apparent. The sharedmeals, the stories, the mentorship across generations of service members—all ofit contributed to something bigger than a scoreboard. The bonds formed andlessons learned will stay with our players long after the final whistle.

As Team Manager, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of our coachingstaff, the character of our players, and the unwavering hospitality of ourBritish hosts. It was my honor to ensure that every detail—from logistics toplayer welfare—was executed with the professionalism our team deserved.

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the trust placedin me, for those who represented our country so proudly, and for theopportunity to bring together active-duty service members, veterans, and anoutstanding group from Seattle Rugby Club in an environment that celebratedboth competition and camaraderie.

Rugby has always been a game built on respect, humility, and brotherhood.Combine that with the shared values of military service—past and present—andthe result is something truly powerful. This tour reminded us all that successis measured in more than points scored; it’s measured in character, connection,and the lasting impact on everyone involved.

I will forever carry the honor of serving as Team Manager on thisunforgettable journey. The scoreboard captured only a moment—but the real winswere found in every step, every lesson, and every shared experience along theway.

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