Australia's team members left the UK with their heads held high after a convincing win in the final of the Women's International Defence Rugby Competition last month.
In the second tournament - the inaugural competition was held in New Zealand in 2022 - Australia was grouped in a tough pool that included Fiji and France, losing narrowly to both in the early rounds.
But after a thumping win against Tonga in the Challenge Cup semi-finals (98-12), they left nothing on the field in the final against Zambia, winning 39-15.
Team coach Lieutenant Commander Rob Drinkwater said the team earned the win.
"We always expected this match to be tough. We'd done our research ahead of time," Lieutenant Commander Drinkwater said.
"We went in knowing that we needed to maintain our composure and play our own game. In the end, we did just that and got the job done. I'm just so proud of what our players have achieved."
Australia held the lead throughout the match, with a hat-trick from captain Leading Aircraftwoman Caitlyn Costello one of the highlights.
Private Esther Harm, Officer Cadet Madeline Mathews, Corporal Sarah Riordan and Leading Aircraftwoman Daisy Pickering also scored tries.
Number 8, Leading Seaman Rayna Ellis, said she was relieved when the final whistle went.
"It was a great match. We put so much hard work into getting to this point. The Zambian side was strong but we worked truly as a team so it was great to be able to walk off as the Challenge Cup winners," she said.
Team captain Sergeant Yolanda Forsyth said it was a privilege to represent Australia on the international stage in the three-week tournament.
"It has meant a lot to all of us - getting the rare opportunity to represent the ADF and showcase our rugby skills and ability," Sergeant Forsyth said.
'The players have represented Australia on the world stage superbly.'
Competition for a spot in the Australian team was intense, with 44 ADF women from the three services trying out for the squad of 30.
Lieutenant Commander Drinkwater said the team was outstanding, which presented its own set of challenges.
"Despite the intensity of the tournament with five games back-to-back, the standard of players, combined with the exceptional support from our off-field team, which included two physiotherapists and a doctor, meant that for almost every game we had the full complement of 30 players from which to select the 23 to play," he said.
The Head of Australian Defence Staff - London, Air Commodore Matthew Harper, paid tribute to the team.
"The players have represented Australia on the world stage superbly. They are well-deserved Challenge Cup winners and I wish them well as they return home," Air Commodore Harper said.
Sergeant Forsyth said the team would go home with wonderful memories and new friendships.
"It was a privilege to have been asked to co-captain this team," she said.
"But the support of all the team has made it such a rewarding experience - playing with a great bunch of girls and having wonderful support staff to keep us fit and well throughout the tournament."
Leading Seaman Ellis said the best thing about the tournament was the friendships.
"Like many of my teammates, I knew no one when I joined this team, but we have now created lasting friendships," Leading Seaman Ellis said.
"And getting to know players from other countries has been equally rewarding."
Tournament results
Round 1 - Australia vs France, 17-22
Round 2 - Australia vs Vodafone LooseHeadz (UK), 81-7
Round 3 - Australia vs Fiji, 20-26
Challenge Cup Semi - Australia vs Tonga, 98-12
Challenge Cup Final - Australia vs Zambia, 39-15
