“I started playing rugby with the Southern Pines Rugby Club from 2003-2006 playing on the men’s club and as captain for the high school team. I went on to play with the rugby club at North Carolina State from 2006-2010. During that time I was elected for a Marine All-Star team. I moved back to Southern Pines in 2015 and was asked to get the Southern Pines youth rugby program back on its feet. When asked, “why rugby?” I have been able to travel overseas and around the United States while meeting great people through this game. There is no other sport’s culture that comes close.”

Certifications: USA Rugby Level 200 Coach

“I started playing rugby by accident, my Samoan squad leader took me out to a Polynesian cookout and someone showed up with a rugby ball. Next thing I know I’m playing Rugby 7’s, and loved every bit of that first day. I have played in Rugby Union and Rugby 7’s tournaments in Amsterdam, NL, Munich, DE, Seoul, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and all over the United States. If you play rugby you have instant friends anywhere there is a club close by.”

Playing career: 1992-current yes I still play

Clubs: Tacoma Nomads RFC, Virginia Beach RFC, Illesheim Black n Blue, Germany, Colorado Springs Grizzlies RFC, Bragg Rugby, Southern Pines RFC, and various select sides/tournament teams.

Certifications: USA Rugby- Level 1 Referee 2005, Assistant Referee 2017, Touch Judge 2017, Level 100 Coach 2013, Level 200 Coach 2013, Level 300 Coach 2016

World Rugby- First Aid in Rugby 2013, Concussion Management for the General Public 2017, Rugby Ready 2017, Introduction to Coaching 2017, Key Factor Analysis 2017, Functional Role Analysis 2017, Match Observation Programme 2015, Technical Zone Programme 2015

Bio coming soon

“I started playing Rugby in 2005 for the Charlotte Rugby Club. Then a member of the Rugby Super League, we traveled the country playing world class teams from various cities. I played for two seasons before a knee injury concluded my short career. Playing second row and lifter for “The Originals,” I was able to meet and play with some amazing ruggers from all over the world.

I am currently a high school biology teacher and have coach various sports including football, basketball, baseball and rugby. I look forward to working with the u10 kids and teaching them this amazing sport.”

“My first introduction to rugby was in the 1990’s on TV and I had no clue what was going on, but it looked so fun and aggressive! Then a high school teacher of mine had an 8x10 picture of himself in a line out leaning against the chalkboard. I stayed after class and asked him many questions and had many laughs. I knew then I wanted to play in college. Fall of my freshmen year in 1997 I proudly played on the Women’s Rugby team at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. When I started, we were a bare bones team with barely enough players, a rocky field and never knew who was showing up for matches. With hard work and lots of fundraising, by my senior year we were competing in the EPRU nationals, had over 40 players and finally some financial support from the University. I am forever grateful for my time playing and coaching at “The Haven”.

I continued to play and coach after my college years in small spurts. I married military and we have 4 kids!

I love this sport and all it has to offer. I will forever have an interest in the sport and helping to educate others of its greatness. Although I have hung up my boots as a player, I am happy to help in any way I can.

My oldest plays for the Jokers! I’ll be the coach with the duct taped shorts that got torn in a line out in college. I thought it was so awesome! I have other pairs, but I wear these because they serve as a good reminder of how I started.”

Saturday’s A Rugby Day!

Long Island 7s played

Fort Bragg 7s played

North GA College coached women’s

Bio coming soon

“I grew up watching my Dad play and coach rugby. I moved to Charlotte and joined their team to make new friends. I also played with the Old Toe rugby team. After an injury, I took some time off to heal. Once healed, I started playing for the Southern Pines Women’s team. I enjoy rugby because of the community of friends I have made and continue to make.

“I play rugby. I love rugby. Sometimes I do other things but mostly I’m just thinking about rugby”

“I started playing rugby in 2019 with the Southern Pines Women's Rugby team. I didn't play sports when I was growing up and found rugby by accident. I am really glad that I did!

I am currently the Women's President and usually play as a prop or a lock, I love being in the scrum! Rugby has made me more confident in my life and helped me find a good group of friends.”

Bio coming soon

“I started playing rugby in 2001. I was playing for the base soccer team in Okinawa and had been carded out “of a few” games. One of my mates said, “I think I have a better game for you Griff.” He was right, and 20 years later I wish I could find him to thank him. 

I truly love the game of rugby. I feel it is a game for all ages and all types. There is no better team sport in my opinion where every last person on the pitch is as important and as essential as the other. 

Coaching youth Rugby and watching players learn and grow in the game of Rugby is a long-time passion of mine. I look forward to continuing to pass on the great game of Rugby and the life lessons that are hidden in it.”

Okinawa Exiles 15s & 7s 2001-2003

Harrisburg RFC 15s 2004-2007

Backs coach: West Shore United 2005-2007

Nomad:

7s University of Hawaii 2006

Ft Bragg 15s Military Nationals 2009

7s Colorado Springs RFC 2010

Backs coach: Colorado Springs High School RFC 2010-2013

Certifications: L100 Coach

Bio coming soon

“My first experience playing rugby was right after I finished my senior season playing football. One of my friends who I consider my brother, was the one who convinced me to play with the high school team. After a few practices and playing my first ever 15’s match against Raleigh, I instantly fell in love with the sport. Once I finished my first and last 15’s and 7’s season with the Jokers, I joined the men’s squad and I’ve been with the team for the past two years. I was elected as the men’s treasurer and play starting wing.”

“I started playing rugby in 2016 when the Southern Pines women’s team was established. My go-to position is flanker but have played prop and hooker; definitely a forward. I scored my first try at the age of 30, which validates age is just a number. I look forward to having my sons play on the youth team.”

Bio coming soon.

I was not going to play rugby, because I came out right before everything was shut down in 2020…

The women's team kept pushing me to come out once things were moving again. I came to practice every week trying to learn what I could before our first 7s tournament!

Then I made my first tackle and I was hooked!

I’ve played sports my whole life, and never felt like I fit in. I knew nothing about rugby, but I was desperate to find a team to be a part of. I showed up to a Southern Pines Lady Celts’ practice last summer and have been obsessed since day one. Rugby is the one sport where there is a position for everyone. It doesn’t matter your size, age, or skill level all that matters is you have the heart to play. I decided to start coaching to help better my skills while also volunteering with an organization that cares so deeply about their players. Watching kids fall in love with rugby is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. Southern Pines Rugby isn’t just a team it’s a family. Our coaches, and players show up to support each other. And this community any way they can. I’m so thankful, and proud to be a part of that.

“I started playing rugby in April 2021 for Southern Pines Women’s Rugby Club. Prior to rugby, I’d played soccer and softball since I was 4. Rugby is easily my favorite sport I’ve ever played and the community is unlike any other. Since last year I’ve started playing on two other competitive teams: the Carolina Storm and CGRU Select 7s. This sport has allowed me to travel around and make lifelong connections. I love being able to show my daughter something I’m so passionate about and to teach other kids to push themselves.”

I started playing rugby in college, with no previous knowledge of the sport. I fell in love and it was such a pivotal experience for me. It’s amazing to see how successful the program is here and I’m so happy to be giving back to the rugby community

My name is Allison Anderson. I started playing rugby in June of 2023 as a way of staying in shape and meeting new people. I fell in love with the sport, and have been playing ever since.

Rugby was very much a part of life when I was growing up in England and I have always loved the game. Working with young children is a passion of mine and I enjoy combining the two.