Providence High School Rugby Football Club: My Site News
The Fighting Irish Invade Providence High
That’s right sport fans, Providence has been selected as the home for the 2012 Rugby College Showcase. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will face off against the 2011 Collegiate National 7’s Champion, Life University, hailing from Marietta, Georgia, in their regular season Division 1 matchup. This much anticipated contest between these two rugby powerhouses.will take place on Saturday, March 10th in Panther Stadium and will feature some local Charlotte players, including our very own Mark Humphries.
Mark had a phenomenal season last year playing for Panther Rugby. As a senior he was a driving force behind Providence’s ascension to a Rugby Magazine national ranking and our trip to the USA Rugby Southern Regional Championship. Mark was also a North Carolina High School All Star; where he earned an MVP award for his efforts. His accomplishments and talent did not go unnoticed and Mark, considered a top prospect, was recruited by Life University, one of the nation’s premier rugby programs.
This Showcase event is just one part of a fully loaded weekend of rugby here in South Charlotte. The North Carolina Youth Rugby Union (NCYRU) in concert with the North Carolina High School Rugby Association (NCHSRA) will be hosting the 2012 Annual Rugby Spring Festival and Tournament on March 10th and 11th at Elon Park.
The North Carolina Spring “Ruggerfest” is one of the largest youth rugby tournaments in the United States. Teams travel from a dozen east coast states, as well as from Canada and The Caribbean to participate in this grand event.
The competition will be comprised of over 42 teams and include High School men and women teams, as well as a contingent of Middle School boys clubs. Over 1000 players will converge on our region to contend for, and bring home, a championship cup.
In addition to the Notre Dame vs. Life match, Providence will also host matches played by elementary school age “Rookie Rugby” clubs, featuring South Charlotte students, and a demonstration of Women’s “Olympic 7’s” style rugby. Finally, as a precursor to the Showcase Event our very own Panthers will be pitted against Club Canada in our club’s first international contest.
Whether you are a long time admirer of the sport or just new to the game, March 10th is bound to be a sensational weekend of sport here at PHS. Mark your calendars and pass the word because this is an experience that should not be missed.
For more information about the Showcase and the Spring Ruggerfest please keep checking the PHS Mews for times and updates as well as the NCYRU www.ncyru.org and NCHSRA www.nchsra.org websites for schedule and venue information.
