Editing Black Reign (Australia) (section)

=== Formation ===

A letter from captain Gavin Costello published in ''Australian Paintballer'' described Black Reign as a young team formed by four former Samford Vikings players.[5]

Costello stated that more than 80 per cent of the original lineup had no previous tournament experience. He asked that Black Reign be treated as a new organisation rather than a renamed continuation of the Samford Vikings.[5]

The letter gives a formation date of late July 1995, which conflicts with the team’s documented February and April 1995 competition appearances. The precise founding date therefore remains unresolved.[5][7][1]

Costello had played paintball since 1988 and was identified in contemporary reporting as an experienced player involved in several aspects of the sport.[6]