Defence Blacks fourth in Military Rugby World Cup

Members of the Defence Blacks and French Military Forces rugby teams after the play-off for third place in the International Defence Rugby Competition in Japan yesterday.

The New Zealand Defence Force rugby team finished fourth in the International Defence Rugby Competition, after losing 5–10 to the French Military Forces in the play-off for third in Japan yesterday.

Leading Physical Training Instructor Hamish Pyne, from Napier, scored the try for the New Zealand team, known as the Defence Blacks.

The game was played under unusual circumstances when a strong wind blew over one of the goal posts prior to kick-off, meaning no kicks at goal were possible during the match.

The tournament was won by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, who beat the United Kingdom Armed Services 31–17 in the final.