For the finale of the Army Rugby Union Centenary we saw our illustrious British Army Elite venture down under, off the back of fabulous wins over the the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. The purpose of this jolly jaunt was to take on the might of our antipodean friends in Australia and New Zealand, or to be a little more precise - the might of their respective Army rugby teams.So in seven days they played three teams in two countries, and showed the boys down under that the British Army is not to be taken lightly...as they beat all three teams hands down.

And just so you get a feel for how much they had to slum it, the Army Elite stayed at the Manly Pacific Hotel on Manly Beach, Sydney, the same place the English Rugby Elite squad stayed during the 2003 Rugby World Cup. They trained at Manly RFC, where Sir Clive Woodward both played and coached. In New Zealand, they hung out at the Wellington Intercontinental Hotel overlooking the harbour. It's a hard life they have to contend with - especially since they managed to hobnob with both the Wallabies and the All Blacks in their respective countries, since both teams use the same hotels for their trips to the capital during the international season.

So while they were basking inthe lap of luxury, they did a bit of training here and there, and played the odd match or three quite well...and you can have a read of the full match experience by clicking here. But we thought we'd bring you a feel of Boys on Tour. Following is the amusing and witty collective tour diary from the victorious squad...

12-13 May 2007
Rob Sugden

After having flown for what felt like a week and watching the entire video library of Quantas, the team arrived slightly bleary eyed at Sydney Airport at just after 1800hrs. In true military fashion we moved through the passport check…the vegetable check…another passport check…the muddy rugby boot check…and finally one more passport check in a relatively swift fashion (ten out of ten for airport security!).
 
 
There were no complaints from the players when the hotel hove into view in a prime beachfront location, and the rooms also didn't disappoint. With a Sunday night to play with the team felt that they owed it to themselves to explore the wonders of Sydney, of which there are many. One might say that this was an ambitious move considering that everyone was suffering from a wicked combination of jet lag and sleep deprivation, however, everyone made it back to Manly and a good night was had by all. 

The wonders of Sydney by David 'JJ' Bailey

Training Day Relaxation...

Tuesday 15 May [Training at Manly Rugby Club]
Malakai Magnus & Rob Sweeney

Today the squad woke up between 0500hrs and 1400hrs. Not too sure how long this jet lag is supposed to last but we're hoping it ends soon - we've got a game to play on Saturday!!!!

The weather here is fantastic although the locals keep telling us it is quite cold for this time of year. It was only 22 degrees; I cannot start to think how hot a 'warm day' would be out here. Despite the freezing conditions the team (once they had surfaced) managed to brave the outside world and carry out a bit of shopping and sight seeing.

All of the ex-pats that we have met are spurring us on to win on Saturday so that they can have bragging rights over their Aussie mates. It has been a while since any of the Home Nations have won a sport in Australia and on current performance it does not seem likely that any of them will beat Australia in the near future. Lets not mention the cricket…………………

We have been told that the game will be televised and that we are the curtain raiser for the Randwick versus Gordon game. Not too sure how big a crowd they are expecting but the Australians are certainly doing their bit to promote the game - there are posters everywhere.

Andy Price is chomping at the bit to get us on the training pitch to prepare for our game but reluctantly has taken the advice of Gareth (our conditioning coach) and is allowing us time for our bodies to adjust. Once adjusted I think we are in for a bit of a beast.

Wednesday 16 May [Training at Manly Rugby Club]
Ben Hankinson & Georgie Kemble

The morning and the early hours took the same form as the last two; some guys wandering along Manly beach promenade unable to sleep, some out doing their own training to shake off the long flight, and others (Mark Lee) taking every opportunity to enjoy a coffee and a muffin. The sun rises at 0630 and from the hotel restaurant over 'brekkie' this is some start to the day!!!

Left alone to carry out their own personal fitness the lads are making the most of the hotel's roof top pool and fitness suit. The beach volleyball team is taking great shape, however the kit men must do something about those tight shorts or 'budgie smugglers' as they are known down here.

After a cracking lunch we all got on the bus to get eyes on the Australian Army rugby team who were playing their annual fixture against Randwick - one of the big local clubs. Although the Australian Army won quite comfortably it was obvious that Randwick were not at full strength so very little was gained from our spying mission. That said, we showed our faces and flew the flag for the British Army.

That evening we all eagerly anticipated our meal out at the famous Rump & Rips Restaurant on Manly's seafront; it is a must for all international touring rugby sides. The food was great although Melvyn Lewis was obviously feeling slightly under the weather as he only polished off about one kilo of steak which was further complimented by a 'diet' apple pie! Mal Roberts presented a signed Army jersey to the owner to join the multitude of framed shirts and memorabilia on the wall. In return he was given a set of steak knives that apparently even Martin Johnson struggled to get back on the aircraft after the Lions Tour.

The blokes went to bed straight after the meal, tired and full but hungry for the physical confrontation that waits!

Thursday 17 May [Training at Manly Rugby Club]
Gareth Libbey & Gerhard Wessels

Many struggled to get out of bed this morning; not through lack of sleep or still feeling the effects of jet lag, but still full carrying swollen stomachs from the phenomenal amount of steak and ribs consumed the night before. A night that witnessed Chris Budgen sink a 'cow' worth of ribs and again see Mark Lee falling asleep in his steak perhaps took protein loading to new levels. 

Training at Manly RFC An early start on the training park was quick to sort out the lethargic bodies of most of the team. The first intense training of the tour was not to be free from sweat, bumps and creaking limbs, with many showing an uncharacteristic urge to get in the ice bath as soon as possible. The session was not without its causalities; as Naka pulls out of the Saturday fixture and Magnus struggling with a groin injury, the necessity of the squad system has never been so vital. 

Ben Hughes on top of the world With training over, the day was spent in the usual fashion of body surfing in the sea, coffee in the local café and the occasion rub down in the hope of fending off the aches in the morning. Whilst others made use of the infinite number of spaces in the ‘Daz mobile’, to travel the hour journey to watch the Royal Engineers vs the Australian Engineers. Ben Hughes, Darrel Ball and the Slade Jones tag team supported Corps and family to a very successful victory over the Aussies in a very physical match – final score 35 - 15.

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Like any rugby tour the evening spent absorbing national and international culture in a most refined manner. Not a witty cover up for a night on the lash but a night at the Sydney Opera House listening to Rossini’s Stabat Mater concert was although not a hit with most, certainly got the vote from Rob Sugden and was certainly one to tick off the list of ‘things to do in life’.

Friday 18 May
Melvyn Lewis

Today was the calm before the storm…………………………Training went well yesterday so the coach stood the squad down from our team run this morning and allowed us all to have a lay in. Just as well really as it rained all day - the first time in two years!!!!!!!! Rumour has it that Bill Butt has brought the English weather with him - he arrived last night.

Most of us made it to the last breakfast sitting and then started to write our Australian postcards before events over took us and we were on the plane for New Zealand.

Whilst at breakfast we all had a pleasant surprise when John 'Swansea' Hinton, President of Manly Rugby Union Club appeared and presented each of us with a Manly a baseball cap and DVD as a memento of our time at Manly. He also offered his hospitality should any of us find ourselves at a loose end and want to play rugby at Manly RFC in the next couple of years.  

Confidence is quite high at the moment and everyone is looking forward to playing the Australian Army tomorrow; especially as we are playing at the famous Coogee Oval as a curtain raiser to the RANDWICK vs GORDON first grade game. Ann-Marie, Andy Neaves and Gareth 'Doc Doc' Thomas have all been working flat out massaging; manipulating and fixing broken and bruised bodies while the able bodied amongst us have had a rather relaxing day. Unfortunately, beach volleyball and sunbathing were off the agenda following the strict instructions of Andy Price however chilling out in one's room was deemed suitable preparation. And so we chilllllllllled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday 19 May
Darrel Ball

After a lie in we all paraded down stairs for another of JJ’s roll calls. I’m convinced he is a frustrated CSM wannabee. All present and correct we then proceeded to breakfast for another superb feast laid on by the excellent chefs at the Manly Pacific Hotel.

Fed, watered and briefed to the hilt we then had an hour to sort our things out before getting on the bus for the Coogee Oval. Spirits were high as we made our way to Coogee, not too sure if that was because the rain had stopped or whether the lads were just keen to play the game.

As we arrived at the Coogee Oval a very competitive 2nd Grade fixture was being played between Randwick and Gordon.. With half an hour to spare the lads relaxed by the pitch and watched while Daz Percy and Byron Cordy finished setting up the changing rooms. Changing room ready, physios in place, the lads were then mustered together to start the team’s build up.

The pre-match warm up was rather intense and one could see that the lads were very focussed – we had not come here to lose!!!!! With the warm up over, the lads sang the National Anthem and then the whistle blew.

The final whistle blew and the Army emerged triumphant 36-0. Notable performances by Apo “3 tries” Satala; Ben “Body on the Line” Hughes, Chris “I slapped their scrum half but their scrum half won” Budgen and finally Andy “Man of the Match” Evans. Unfortunately we also picked up a few injuries but doesn’t everyone.

Job done, the lads retired to the sponsor’s tent for a bit of light refreshment and a few presentations. This was subsequently followed by a few more beers, a Big Mac Meal and a short bus ride back to Manly where the lads all had an early-ish night in anticipation of their early departure the following day.

Sunday 20 May
Andy Evans

After a successful day came an emotional morning after, a 0530 start brought a few tears to the squad, with early morning breakfast the squad said farewell to Sydney and began the journey to Wellington, with the conversation levels kept at a minimum the boys slowly came round to socialising.

Ben Hankinson was on top form as tour clown and keeping the boys entertained for a majority of the journey! With vast stories of his some what disturbing rugby career and lack of general knowledge! Fortunately Mark Lee's experienced arm, and Ben Hughes clenched fist kept the troubled Hank in line! After arriving at Wellington and managing to get Conrad Price through customs the boys arrived at the hotel for treatment and recovery.

Monday 21 May
Jope and Denny 

Today the boys got up bright and early ready to start their training in preparation for tomorrow’s game against the New Zealand Defence Academy. Unusually, the lads had a leisurely cable car ride to their training ground but this did not detract from the intensity of the session. Not too sure what they have put in the water here but the team run was one of the best sessions we have ever had – or so says the coach.
 
Darrell Ball has been named as skipper for tomorrow’s game and Zak “the gas”Vakasawaqa gets his first run out for the Senior XV. Unfortunately we are still carrying a number of injuries within the squad but Gareth Thomas, Andy Neaves, Rhodri Phillip, Anne Marie and Bop Bop are confident of repairing those that need it in time for Friday.

After training we all did our own recovery sessions and then had a walk around Wellington city. The weather is nothing like Sydney and after being blown about it is obvious why it is known as Windy Wellington!!!!!!!

Everyone is looking forward to tomorrow’s game; there are still places up for grabs so we are all expecting quite a performance.

Tuesday 22 May
Billy Bragg

What seemed liked a potentially long day started with a good team run at St Pat's School, Silverstream. With coach and skipper of the day "Darrell Ball" happy we then made our way to Trentham where we were received with a very impressive traditional Maori welcome (wero). This was followed by a welcome speech and, as is tradition a song by our hosts the New Zealand Army Rugby players and staff. We replied with our own song lead and produced by Rob Sugden and despite numerous poor rehearsals everybody hit the correct notes and our hosts were suitably impressed.

Formalities over, a quick rendition of the National Anthems, the game was started. 

The final whistle blew and the British Army came out as 43-15 winners.

We continued to be hosted in an excellent manner and ate to our hearts content, with "Stevie T" making sure there was no wastage. The team was given free-rein to have a couple of beers, but conscious of the most important game of the tour on the horizon and some quality training required most stuck with Gatorade. 

We departed Trentham and after a quick bag drop off headed for the British High Commission where we were met by the Deputy High Commissioner and the NZ Army Squad. Again we were hosted immaculately and had the opportunity to chat with our counterparts and renew friendships that were made in 2005.

After the squad had signed the visitor's book and Georgie Kemble had left his signature in all of the High Commission's bathrooms it was time to depart. 

On the way back Chief Justice Ben "no mercy" Hughes called a Kangaroo Court. With Mark Lee prosecuting and Brig Rick Libbey defending, nobody was to be excused…… and they weren't.

Punishments awarded the team then went to bed ready for an early morning's training session. 

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Wednesday 23 May
Steve Trethewey & Melvyn Lewis

The day started with Conrad (the worm) Price's first video analysis of the season! Good Effort!

Rob Sweeney was held back for a one-on-one video session over his international standard in shadow tackling and myself showing how to chip and chase to our whole back line and coaching staff. Free time followed for the rest of the squad before the hard work continues for Friday's game against the New Zealand Army.  

Some of the less active members of the squad enjoyed the museum Tae Pa Pa - The National Museum, where Bill Butt was mistaken for one of the ancient artefacts on display by some of the visitors. The younger more interesting members enjoyed a chance to Go-Kart in Wellington with Melvyn Lewis showing his skills as a get away driver with the fastest lap of the day - shame he isn't that fast on the pitch after the first five minutes. The winning team of the day being Melvyn Lewis, Rob Sweeney & Steve Trethewey - the champions of South Africa Go-Karting!
 

A mention must go to Rob Sugden for the slowest lap of the day and Ben Hankinson for his "Driving Miss Daisy" impression and finally to the RLC for their victory over the Engineers at Laser Quest 158-15, not bad for the 'blanket stackers'.

The evening was spent enjoying the fine restaurants of Wellington before the chance to watch the 1st State of Origin Rugby League match on TV. Shaun "northern boys love gravy" Fanning was enjoying the numerous swinging arms witnessed in the game and seen showing Ben Hankinson how to hit a opposition player with one, instead of thin air.

A good day in all spent relaxing before the build up to the biggest match of our tour. Everyone is raring to go so bring on the Kiwi's.

Thursday 24 May
Nacca and Ben

The boys had a early breakfast this morning just to get ready for their training session, with the squad to take on the New Zealand Army side tomorrow. Training went well again and as a result we were given the afternoon off to do a little bit off shopping and sight seeing. Some lads went to Tae Papa, Conrad Price went bungee jumping and the usual suspects went to Tarbucks!!!!
 
Injury was a worry for the side at the beginning of the week but due to the hard work from the medical staffs and the fantastc hotel facilities (Gym & the Pool) the lads have all recovered.

In the evening we had a 'team meal' at the Lonestar restaurant. Col Nigel Lloyd (NZ DA and Army Cap winner) presented the shirts to the players and the team thanked him and Paul Milner (NZ LO) for their assistance by presenting them with a tour shirt and season tie.

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Meal over, the lads retired to the hotel for an early night in preparation for the BIG GAME! We have not come here to lose.

Friday 25 May
JJ Jeffrey

At last, the day we have all been waiting for.............

The day started with a leisurely lay-in followed by a healthy breakfast of fruit, muesli and eggs. The players were all surprisingly relaxed and everyone was talking about the game ahead. How strong would the New Zealand Army team be? how many players from the previous Test would be playing? how big would the crowd be? and what would be the final score?
 
The game was an evening kick off being played at the Manuwatu Stadium in Palmerston North – 2 hours drive from Wellington. This meant that the squad had a free morning to do any last minute shopping before travelling north to play our final game of the season. It also gave some of the squad the opportunity to meet Graham Henry [All Blacks Head coach] who was, by chance was being interviewed at our Hotel by the local media.

The team left the hotel at 1300hrs and started the journey north to Palmerston. On arrival at the Manawatu Stadium the mood of the squad changed noticeably; although it wasn’t quite Twickenham, the team knew that it was just as important as our Inter-service matches and the lads were very focussed.

The lads spent a short time walking around the stadium soaking up the atmosphere before they commenced their pre-match routine. Warm up over, Andy Price sat the team down to give his final words of encouragement before handing over to skipper Mal Roberts who proudly walked the team onto the pitch. National Anthems sung; the British Army lined up to face the New Zealand Army Haka before the ref blew his whistle and the final Centenary Season's fixture commenced.

The final whistle blew and the British Army came out as 11-6 winners.

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Match over, the team made their way to the post match reception where they were hosted immaculately by their New Zealand counterparts. A fantastic meal complimented by such great company (including ex All Black legend "Tiny" Hill MBE) meant that the Centenary Tour and Season was concluded in a most fitting manner - a 36-0 win against the Aussies and a 11-6 win over the Kiwis.

 
Lest we forget

Brig Rick Libbey visited Palmerston North Boy’s School en route to the final rugby match. The school has a memorial for its former pupils who gave their lives in conflicts since 1914.