Inaugural Anthem Pathway Classic, sponsored by Novant Health, Delivers Thrilling Night of Rugby at Matthews Sportsplex

The first-ever Anthem Pathway Classic, presented by Anthem Rugby Carolina and the College Rugby Association of America, and generously supported by Anthem sponsor Novant Health, brought competitive rugby under the lights at the Matthews Sportsplex in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Despite wet and slippery conditions, a double-header of high-quality matches gave the over 500 attendees — including many  Anthem RC season ticket holders — plenty to cheer about.

Charlotte Cardinals 35, Okapi Wanderers 10

The Charlotte Cardinals wasted no time making a statement. Barely 40 seconds into the match, fly half Luke Zemke charged through after a devastating kick charge-down, and fullback Max Coulson converted to make it 7-0 before Okapi had drawn breath. The Florida-based Wanderers, ranked 11th nationally and boasting a 4-0 league record, steadied themselves with a well-struck penalty goal from Joaquin Rodriguez to cut the deficit to 7-3, but the Cardinals’ physicality was beginning to tell.

Charlotte’s forwards — led by an outstanding display from lock Lucas Lipinski, who seemed to make the gain line on every carry — battered the Okapi defensive line through relentless phase play. Coulson added a second try after patient build-up work drew defenders in, and then a powerful multi-phase sequence just before the break saw TJ Kiefer finish off excellent carries from Aiden O’Connor and Wells O’Mara to send the Cardinals into halftime with a commanding 21-3 lead.

The scoreline, however, flattered the Cardinals somewhat. Okapi’s kicking game, orchestrated brilliantly by Rodriguez, was sophisticated and effective, while their lineout dominance disrupted Charlotte’s set-piece all evening. The Wanderers also won the tactical battle for stretches, but simply couldn’t convert territorial pressure into points.

The second half opened with renewed purpose from Okapi. After sustained pressure deep in the Cardinals’ 22, number eight Juan Codoni powered over from a scrum pick, beating the flanker and carrying three defenders across the try line. Rodriguez converted to make it 21-10, and suddenly there was a contest. But the Cardinals’ bench — particularly Lipinski, who burst through from 50 meters out for a spectacular individual try — restored order at 28-10. Coulson capped a fine personal display late on, finishing with 20 points as the Cardinals ran out 35-10 winners. Zemke earned the Gentle Giant Man of the Match award, though commentators Alex Goff and Sam Golla agreed Lipinski’s tireless carrying was the decisive factor.

Queens University Charlotte 24, Ohio State 20

If the first match was defined by one team’s dominance, the nightcap was a war of attrition. Queens University Charlotte, strong off their impressive fall campaign, hosted an Ohio State side still stinging from a fifth-place Big Ten finish but brimming with youthful energy and physicality.

The Buckeyes struck first through captain Jack Dulick on the wing, who finished off a patient sequence of close-range pick-and-goes that sucked in the Queens defense before the ball was shipped wide. Queens responded through scrum half Jake Rice, who darted over from a quick tap penalty after Ohio State conceded a string of infringements near the line. The first half ended 10-5 to Queens, but the scoreline told only half the story — handling errors plagued both sides in the wet conditions, with knock-ons and loose ball at the breakdown a recurring theme.

Ohio State seized the momentum early in the second half. Lock Jaden Williams powered over from close range to bring the score to 12-10 after a dominant scrum platform, and Tom Kilbane’s boot nudged the Buckeyes ahead 15-10 with a penalty. For a spell, Ohio State’s scrappy, never-say-die attitude — diving on every loose ball and winning the collisions — had Queens rattled.

The turning point came around the 60-minute mark. Leading 15-10 with a tap penalty just five meters from the Queens line, Ohio State lost the ball, then compounded the error with successive penalties and a yellow card to Joe Tipka. Queens pounced: second row Tertius Dietrichsen crashed over to level the scores, and Tomas Moussey’s conversion put the Royals ahead 17-15. A second Dietrichsen try extended the lead to 24-15 before Ohio State grabbed a consolation score at the death to finish 24-20. Moussey, dangerous with ball in hand and a tireless problem-solver across the park, was a deserving Gentle Giant Man of the Match.

A Platform for Growth

Anthem RC president Patrick Stack hailed the event as a commercial and sporting success, over 500 tickets sold alongside 68 youth rugby clinic participants. Stack praised the coaches, the North Carolina Youth Rugby Union leadership, and Charlotte Rugby Club’s decades-long legacy in building the region’s rugby community. With plans to make the Pathway Classic an annual fixture, the inaugural edition set a high bar — and gave a glimpse of a bright future for rugby in the Carolinas.