Charlotte’s Rugby Athletic Center Hosts Elite Atlantic Coast College Rugby Matchups

Editor’s Note: Two weekends before the ACRC Bowl Series, Charlotte’s RAC plays host to another exciting rugby event culminating in the ACRL title game between Clemson and Maryland. The below press release highlights the great amenities and matches awaiting guests at the ARCL event, as well as a college seminar for players and parents interested in playing rugby in college.   

Championship men’s collegiate rugby will be taking place at South Charlotte’s own Rugby Athletic Center on November 8, 2014. A series of premier matchups will be featured throughout the day including a title contest for the Atlantic Coast Rugby League (ACRL).  

Top-quality programs will be traveling from as far as Maryland and Georgia to showcase classic college sports rivalries from the South East region.  Local collegiate and club teams are also slated to participate, showcasing local talent from the host state of North Carolina. 

Kickoff for the first match is scheduled for 11 AM featuring the University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill vs. North Carolina State University. A series of matches will follow throughout the day leading up to the awarding of the Atlantic Coast Rugby League championship title to the victor of the University of Maryland vs. Clemson University match scheduled to kickoff at 5pm.

“Maryland and Clemson have been the flagship programs for the ACRL since our inception in 2011. Every year the match between these two teams has been close, exciting, and has impacted the conference championship. This year will be no different and I expect a fantastic display of rugby from both teams. UNC and NC State are both programs on the upswing and obviously anytime those two schools face off on the athletic field it is a heated rivalry. Fans are going to be in for a real treat on November 8th and we are excited for the ACRL to kick off it’s relationship with the RAC with these two conference matchups,” said ACRL conference director, Pat Kane.  

The Rugby Athletic Center features a professional-grade clubhouse, locker rooms, quality natural grass fields, and additional amenities to provide an optimal competition setting for this championship event. 

College Rugby Seminar

Prior to the first match of the day, the RAC is hosting a college seminar for youth athletes and families from 9-10:30am. The free seminar will be conducted by The Rugger’s Edge, in partnership with USA Rugby and it will cater  to athletes and families interested in learning more about college options and insights for athletes hoping to play rugby in college.  Parents and players of all ages should plan to arrive early and stay to catch the high-level rugby action.  

Athletes and parents will also have the opportunity to interact with coaches and athletes of the featured collegiate teams in a section reserved exclusively for recruitment purposes.  A variety of food and beverage options will also be provided for supporters throughout the day by Third Half concessions.  A $5 admission fee covers attendance at all the matches.  A full schedule of events for November 8th is as follows:

Schedule