Anthem Rugby Carolina Announce 2025 Schedule

American rugby’s rising stars hunt for history in club’s second MLR season

Major League Rugby and Anthem Rugby Carolina recently announced the club’s 2025 Schedule which features eight home matches and eight away matches. Anthem RC’s Inaugural Season in Charlotte saw over 10,000 fans support the new franchise. In year two, American rugby’s rising stars hunt for history, still in search of their first-ever franchise win. Anthem RC is accepting 2025 Season Ticket Deposits for just $25 per seat. Learn more at anthemrc.com/tickets/.

Opening weekend will see Anthem RC on the road at NOLA Gold on Saturday, February 15. When at home, Anthem RC will compete at two Charlotte-based stadiums in 2025:

• Six home matches, including the 2025 Home Opener on Friday, February 21, will be played at American Legion Memorial Stadium located in the Elizabeth neighborhood just minutes from Uptown Charlotte.
• Two home matches will be played at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews. First, on Friday, February 28 in conjunction with Ruggerfest, one of the nation’s largest youth rugby tournaments. The second match at the Sportsplex will be on Wednesday, April 23.

USMLR Rookie of the Year, Junior Gafa, will return to Anthem RC in 2025. The 23-year-old spent last season in Charlotte on loan from the New England Free Jacks. Gafa started in 13 matches, earned three First XV of the Week nods, gained 1,062 meters, beat 37 defenders, and scored four tries.

Anthem RC acquired six players in the 2024 MLR Draft. Meet the new class of rising stars:

• Erich Storti, Center, Saint Mary’s College of California
• Neil Trainor, Hooker, Queen’s University (Canada)
• Jeron Pantor, Fullback, Life University
• EJ Freeman, Center, University of Arizona
• Le’Donn Mathis, Lock/Flanker, Lindenwood University
• Ashawnty Staples, Wing, Notre Dame College (OH)

About Anthem Rugby Carolina:

Anthem Rugby Carolina (Anthem RC) joined Major League Rugby as an expansion side in 2024. The team is the product of a comprehensive partnership between Major League Rugby, World Rugby and USA Rugby. Anthem RC embraces the concept of rising stars throughout its brand, symbolic of the efforts of the new club to invest and grow American rugby. American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as the home of Anthem RC.