Life University partners with North Carolina Youth and High School Rugby and moves home match to Charlotte, N.C. 

Life players from North Carolina: Front Row L-R Drew Ohmann, Sophomore-Porter Ridge High School, Adam Shokair, Freshman- Butler High School, Mark Humphries, Freshman - Providence High School, Dylan Kennelly, Freshman- Butler High School Back Row L-R Daniel Dunn, Sophomore-Myers Park HS, Colton Cariaga, Junior-South Meck High School, Coach Dan Payne, Paris Hollis, Sophomore-Vance High School, Joe Cowley, Sophomore-Charlotte Catholic High School Life University extends special thanks to those involved in organizing this event, including but not limited to: Chic Cariaga-HS tournament director, Carl Hamm, Steve Grille, Lesley Ohmann, Dave Cowley, Bernie Funck, Van Wilder, P-J Anderson, Jeff Greene, Providence High School Rugby Booster Club & The NC State Based Rugby Union officers.

Life University has relocated their home Division 1-A league match with Notre Dame to Charlotte as part of the “College Showcase Game” in conjunction with the North Carolina Spring Ruggerfest.  The NC Spring Ruggerfest is a high school tournament with 40  teams traveling from 5 different states and Canada.  The NC Spring Ruggerfest is being held at Elon Park this Saturday and Sunday.

Life University Head Coach and Director of Rugby Dan Payne said the move was prompted by the tremendous growth and support the state of North Carolina has shown toward rugby.

“As North Carolina Rugby continues to grow, it’s imperative that our program helps do all we can to support their cause.  We consider North Carolina part of our “back yard” as it pertains to rugby in the South.  There are so many dedicated, organized and driven individuals working hard to push rugby forward in the state.  The future looks very exciting and promising for our great game in North Carolina.  It really is something their entire rugby community should be extremely proud of.”

There are 8 Charlotte area players on the Life University roster right now and Payne predicts that number will continue to grow in the future due to increased exposure from the teams recent accomplishments, the increasing number of HS players in Charlotte and the many Life U summer camp attendees that attend each summer from the Charlotte area.  “The benefits of this match are numerous.  It is not only an opportunity for many of our players to travel home and play in front of family and friends, but, also obviously a chance for our program to increase the awareness toward our program and our rapidly growing undergraduate college.”

More than 3,000 tickets were pre sold as of last Friday to the match.  Kick off is set for 7:30 pm on Saturday night at Providence High School in Charlotte - Capacity 4,000.

The match is also a possible preview of a USA 7s Collegiate Rugby Championship matchup. The CRC, to be held June 2-3 at PPL Park just outside Philadelphia, will be broadcast on NBC and features 16 top college 7s teams.

Life University qualified for the 16^th spot at the CRC by winning the qualifier in Las Vegas last month.