JBLM's Flying Tigers To Take On Seattle Rugby Club

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA — The stage is set for a battle of the ages at JBLM next month. Army organizers confirm the Army Air Corps team, The Flying Tigers, will be taking on the Seattle Rugby club for the XV Series of the Military Match Up next month.

According to JBLM, it's the first time a combined Air Force/Army team has competed together in the match up. The Flying Tigers is a team of 31 Airmen, Guardians and Soldiers from a variety of stations across JBLM. The team is named after U.S. Army Air Corps Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault’s 1st American Volunteer Group in World War II.

“Rugby is the greatest game on the planet,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Leroi Edwards, one of the team's players. “Being able to play this game together as service members is always special, and these competitions enable us to express pride in our home units, rugby clubs and communities."

The match is set for Nov. 6 the Starfire Sports stadium in Tukwila before the Seattle Seawolves match. Organizers say admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

“The game of rugby personifies the warrior ethos and leadership spirit expected of us, and it is a blessing that we are able to compete in this light against a very talented Seattle Rugby Club side,” Edwards said.

The All-Army team has won all but two Armed Forces Championship since 2012. The All-Air Force team, meanwhile, was "the predominant force" when services competed from 2000 to 2011, the base said. The teams will continue to play together every other year following this match.