AUSTRALIA defeated New Zealand 32 - 22 in the final of the Armed Forces Rugby League World Cup, which was held at Colchester Garrison on Saturday.

The tournament is part of the lead up to the official Rugby League World Cup, which is being held in England and Wales in the autumn and all matches were played at the Garrison over three weeks.

The competition saw world champions Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Serbia face off in a mini-league format before the make up of the semi-finals and final was decided.

Major Nick Galle, who helped to organise the tournament, said it had given Colchester and rugby league “great exposure” before the main event begins in October.

“It’s been fantastic for both the town and the sport,” he said.

“I think everyone has come away enthused by the sport and it really couldn’t have gone better - we’ve had some cracking matches and we’ve even drawn a good crowd which is great for anywhere in the south east for rugby league.”