US Military Tour About More than Just Rugby, But Rugby's Important, Too
US Military Tour About More than Just Rugby, But Rugby's Important, Too
As the US Military team gets set to travel to the UK for a week-and-a-half-long tour, captain Cody Melphy is looking at a team coming from all over the USA and the world to form a cohesive team in jut a few days.
Roster for US Military Team Tour of UK Set
USA Military Team to Tour England in November
“Team-building is all about trust and shared effort,” said Melphy, who captained the USA 7s team at times during his USA 7s career. “Luckily, the military background most of us share makes that easier because we already know how to rely on each other, stay disciplined, and perform under pressure.”
Rugby, however, is different, acknowledges the former Scholz Award finalist.
“Just because we get along off the field doesn’t mean we’ll click on the field right away. We have to build that chemistry quickly, so it’s important to create small moments where guys can bond—whether it’s over meals, warmups, or just hanging out. And most importantly, we need everyone to buy into the same goals from the start.”
And what are the goals? Of course you want to win the games, but the tour is about more than that. The US Military has a strong connection with rugby and this is, in a way, a diplomatic mission. It’s an outreach using the brotherhood of rugby and the military to bring a little unity to the world and also show that this tour can be done and can be done in a meaningful way.
“The non-rugby stuff is really meaningful to all of us,” added Melphy. “Remembrance Day is personal—it's a time to honor those who came before us and reflect on the sacrifices that allow us to do what we do today. Being part of those moments gives you a sense of purpose beyond rugby.”
The tourists will be part of Remembrance Day events on November 11. They will also attend the England vs Australia test match.
“It’s not every day you get to see two top-tier teams go head-to-head in person,” added Melphy. “Beyond the excitement, it’s also a reminder of how rugby connects people across different nations. For us, it’s an opportunity to soak in that atmosphere and appreciate the global reach of the sport we love.”
Before all of that, the team will assemble and billet at the British Military Academy at Sandhurst, where they will have five days to prepare to play the British Army.
“We have guys with different experiences, different styles, positions, and skill levels, which is great but can also make things tricky,” said Melphy, who will partner with former Eagle John Cullen, who captains the forwards. “My main focus is on getting everyone on the same page, especially around basic things like defense, set pieces, and staying organized during play. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel with a complicated game plan. If we nail the fundamentals, communicate well, and trust each other’s decisions on the field, we’ll be in a good spot. We need everyone to feel comfortable in their role so they can play with confidence.”
Melphy’s experience touring the world with the USA 7s team helps make that happen.
“I’ve been lucky to travel a lot for rugby and have been through plenty of tours, so I know what it’s like to adjust to new environments and keep guys focused,” Melphy said. “The biggest thing is making sure we don’t get distracted—touring can be exciting, but it’s still a job, and we need to stay dialed in. John and I try to share tips—whether it’s about managing jet lag, using downtime well, or just staying loose so we don’t burn out mentally. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the experience, but also knows when it’s time to switch on.”
