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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing pose for a team picture after the inaugural United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Rugby Cup championship in Polcenigo, Italy, March 28, 2026. Service members proudly represented Team Aviano by showcasing teamwork, determination and competitive spirit against teams from across the theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)

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260327-F-EM016-9567

Team Aviano faces off against Team Germany during the inaugural United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Rugby Cup championship game in Polcenigo, Italy, March 28, 2026. As host of the inaugural USAFE Rugby Cup, Team Aviano set the stage for competition, fostering camaraderie and strengthening partnerships across the USAFE community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)

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260327-F-EM016-9643

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Ellenberger, Team Aviano rugby player, left, presents Marco Perut, Pedemontana Livenza Rugby team president, right, with a plaque of appreciation for organizing the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Rugby Cup in Polcenigo, Italy, March 28, 2026. Ellenberger’s leadership and initiative along with support from Perut were instrumental in bringing the inaugural USAFE Rugby Cup to life, uniting teams from across the theater in a first-of-its-kind competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)

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260327-F-EM016-2071

U.S. Air Force Capt. John Spooney, Team Aviano rugby player, left, presented Staff Sgt. Daniel Ellenberger, Team Aviano rugby player, right, with a ‘most valuable player’ award after the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Rugby Cup in Polcenigo, Italy, March 28, 2026. The inaugural USAFE Rugby Cup set the stage for competition, fostering camaraderie and strengthening partnerships across the USAFE community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)

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Team Aviano hosts inaugural USAFE Rugby Cup

Published April 15, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Antone Williams
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing pose for a team picture after the inaugural United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Rugby Cup championship in Polcenigo, Italy, March 28, 2026. Service members proudly represented Team Aviano by showcasing teamwork, determination and competitive spirit against teams from across the theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)

260327-F-EM016-5089

260327-F-EM016-9567

260327-F-EM016-9643

260327-F-EM016-2071