Koikoi Nelligan and David Lindsey make a tackle for the USA Military vs the British Army Nov 10, 2026. Photo Alligin UK.
Author: Alex Goff
In a game where the scoreboard really didn't tell the full story, the British Army defeated the USA Military 18-5 Tuesday in the rain and slop at the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot, Hampshire, England.
The USA team had a chance to win this game, and were in it until late—the score was 8-5 into the 65th minute—before the British Army Reds score two late unconverted tries.
The USA Military started well and put the Reds under pressure. But they didn't convert early as too many knock-ons and a couple of other mistakes hurt them.
However, in the first quarter the USA team did get down to the goalline and, after a series of surges to the line, No. 8 Pita Qiolevu powered through.
The USA Military has a 5-0 lead. But soon the British Army responded with a well-taken try on the wing helped along by a couple of USA penalties.
USA Military vs the British Army Nov 10, 2026. Photo Alligin UK.
The Army's midfield, especially, and their Fiji-heavy backline were a constant threat. But the USA Military defense, including their commitment to tackling and cover tackling, kept the British Army in check.
The Reds did get a penalty goal late in the first half, but overall this was a hard-hitting stalemate. The game was entertaining—both sides wanted to play with the ball—but the conditions made it tough.
For the USA Military, a second surge to the line ended up with a British Army jackkle and a penalty. That was hard to take. Had the Americans scored then, they might have changed the game.
In the second half the USA Military found themselves defending for much of the match. Part of that was mistakes, part of that was not getting (at all) the rub of the green on lineouts, and part of that was a fairly poor USA kicking game that failed to make enough distance or cause the British Army too many causes to worry.
The USA had a couple of prime scoring chances, but again not-straight calls in the lineout, and little knock-ons in the ruck hurt them.
The British Army, for their part, had a bit more success i the lineout and kicked well. They were able to, finally score on a cutback run to lead 13-5. With time frittering away, they got another.
The USA Military kept at it, and certainly their Head Coach, Allen Clarke, wanted them to stay in the fight, which they did. They pressed for a late try but ultimately were held out, despite admonitions that the Army were a step offside.
Noah Cooper gets some attention. USA Military vs the British Army Nov 10, 2026. Photo Alligin UK.
The USA scrum was very strong but the Army defense held, as the Reds closed out the game with some very savvy time management, using set piece to let the seconds tick away.
Overall, however, it was a game that put a real scare into what is generally considered one of the very best military rugby teams in the world. The USA Military did themselves proud in many aspects, but left the field frustrated at what might have been.
"In the first game against the Army Masters, we slit our throats in our own 22," said flyhalf Moliki Molitalo. "In this game, we slit our throats in the opposing 22."
But you don't get better or garner respect by playing patsies, and no one can accuse the USA Military program of playing easy opposition.
Flanker David Lindsey had another superb game, and was named by the Army as the USA team's best forward. Mattie Tago at center was named their best back. Overall on tour, Collin Grosse as captain was immense, while his longtime teammate, Koikoi Nelligan, was also a massive factor.
The USA Military side picked prop James Kuahiwinui as their top performer.
"I guarantee you," said Nelligan, "they are back in that locker room thinking 'we got away with one.'"
USA Military Team to Face British Army Nov. 10, 2026.
Prop: James Kuahiwinui, US Air Force Hooker: Koikoi Nelligan, Army Reserve Prop: James "Doc" Irey, US Navy Veteran (retired) Lock: Jackson Bristol, US Air Force Lock: Lucas Gramlick, US Army Flanker: Collin Gross (C), US Army Reserve Flanker: David Lindsey, US Navy No. 8: Pita Qiolevu, US Air Force
Scrumhalf: Jonathan Haley, US Army Flyhalf: Moliki Molitalo, US Army National Guard Wing: Jason Bland, US Air Force Center: Brandon Tupufia, US Marine Corps Veteran Center: Mattie Tago, US Army Veteran Wing: Dominic Keith, US Air Force Veteran Fullback: Noah Cooper, US Marine Corps
Reserves Hooker: Kevin Harrison, US Army Prop: Mike "Mickey" Bressler, US Marine Corps Prop: Mike Fletcher, US Navy Veteran Lock: Garrett Sytsma, US Army Reserve Lock: Trevor Langeland, US Army Veteran Loose Fwd: Ben Richards, US Army Scrumhalf: Shane Palmer, US Army Veteran Back: Jackson Mitchell, US Air Force
This tour is supported by: Penington Painting Company, Titan Earthworks, Capstone, Azimuth Check Foundation, Rugby Works, Raymark, Seattle Rugby Club, Power Fund, Pacific Northwest Rugby, Akuma, Douglas Advisory Group, and Elias Stables.
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