The importance of sport to our Army cannot be overstated.

Sport develops the desire to win, a competitive edge. It instils mental and physical will and confidence to go out and play-hard.

The aspect of teamwork essential in sport and rugby, equates to military teamwork on operations. Both have the leaders, specialists, forwards, backs and reserves all working to the same aim.

With competition comes dealing with victory and loss. In loss, we need leadership and positive reflection to progress. In victory we need to be humble and have compassion for those we have beaten. For both rugby and operations we need to be good winners and if we come second then we must use that experience to win the next encounter.

If you're playing top-level sports of any kind, the Army will ensure you get the opportunity to compete. The Army has sportsmen and women who compete at national and international level, as well as fulfilling their regular duties.

Role

The primary aim of sport in the New Zealand Army is, through encouraging maximum participation, to assist Army personnel to achieve and maintain the highest possible standard of physical fitness, and in so doing to promote:

• the development of unit morale and esprit de corps in the Army; 
• the development of teamwork, skills, and dexterity relating directly or indirectly to Army tasks;
• comradeship and understanding among Army personnel;
• the development of desirable personal qualities and character; and
• the enhancement of the image of the Army in the community.

The objective is to enhance morale and physical fitness by spirited competition and a perceived willingness to support soldiers in activities other than those of a precisely military nature.

Official Army Sports

Chief of Army has designated 12 approved sports for participation and competition at unit and Army representative level.  The 11 approved Army sports are: