Charlotte Rugby Club and Anthem Rugby Carolina Announce Strategic Partnership to Elevate Player Development

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 20, 2024)  – The Charlotte Rugby Football Club (CRFC) and Anthem Rugby Carolina (ARC) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at advancing the development of American rugby players, from the club level to the professional stage. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering a pathway for young and aspiring professional players to bridge the gap between amateur domestic rugby and the highest levels of the sport.

Through this partnership, CRFC and ARC will combine their local and regional talent, resources, and competitive platforms with the expertise of Anthem and USA Rugby coaches and staff. The joint effort will focus on creating a high-caliber training environment and competitive opportunities that will enhance the skills and prospects of players within both organizations. By integrating young professionals with seasoned athletes and coaches, the initiative seeks to elevate the performance and success of rugby in the Southeast.

Anthem Head Coach Alama Ieremia expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are extremely excited to be involved with Charlotte Rugby Club. It’s an opportunity to not only develop and promote young rugby players, but also to promote rugby in our local Charlotte community. Anthem Rugby Carolina will benefit hugely from this collaboration so we are grateful and looking forward to working together with Charlotte Rugby Club”. 

Charlotte Rugby Club President Hanna Kirlin echoed this sentiment, adding, “Charlotte Rugby Club is excited about this burgeoning partnership, cultivating new talent to the area and growing the sport at all levels.”

With its rich history in Charlotte and the broader Southeast, CRFC is uniquely positioned to contribute to the growth and development of American rugby talent. This partnership is set to strengthen CRFC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of rugby professionals. As part of this collaboration, CRFC will join the Atlantic Rugby Premiership (ARP) this fall—a premier competition designed to offer offseason development for US eligible Major League Rugby (MLR) players, aspiring US players, and others simply seeking to compete at the highest level they can.

In addition, ARC will provide coaching and support services to CRFC while utilizing Charlotte’s Skillbeck Athletic Grounds for fall training sessions and ARP matches. This shared commitment to excellence in rugby development is designed to yield significant benefits for both organizations.

This partnership between CRFC and ARC is a testament to the growing strength and potential of rugby in the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Both organizations look forward to a successful collaboration that will pave the way for future rugby stars.

Players and coaches interested in getting involved, please contact Brendan Keane at bkeane@usa.rugby

Those interested in supporting the Charlotte Rugby Club as a donor, sponsor, or volunteer please contact Hanna Kirlin at crfcadmin@gmail.com

About Charlotte Rugby Football Club (CRFC):
Founded in 1971, Charlotte Rugby Football Club has long since been a source of top level Rugby in the Southeastern United States. CRFC is fortunate enough to be one of the only Rugby clubs in the Southern USA to have a dedicated pitch and clubhouse. Home matches are played at Skillbeck Athletic Grounds, a European style rugby complex in Northwest Charlotte. 

About Anthem Rugby Carolina (ARC):
Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC) joined Major League Rugby ahead of the 2024 season. 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.