The Four Nations Maritime Rugby Cup kicked off when the Royal New Zealand Navy took on the United States Marine Corps at the Devonport Naval Base yesterday.
The New Zealand contingent is hosting the tournament, which also includes teams from the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy. It is the first year the United States has been able to play for the trophy during the round robin tournament at the Ngataringa Sports Complex.
However, they were beaten 53-3 by the RNZN. In yesterday's second match, Australia beat the United Kingdom 37-17. The tournament is held every three years, with hosting rotated.
However, this year's tournament is being held a year early so as not to clash with the Defence Force Rugby Tournament in the United Kingdom next year. Two more games will be held on Friday, and the visiting teams will stay until October 5.
