SoCal 15s: 21 days (Jan 11th)

Louisiana 15s: 35 days (Jan 25th)

Spring 15s: 70 days (March 1st - unofficial start of the season)

Carolina Ruggerfest: 70 days (March 1st -2nd)

Gonzaga Classic: 112 days (April 12th)

Midwest Invitational: 126 days (April 26th)

Nationals Tournament: 152 days (May 22nd)

Fan Rankings

Head over to our Fan Rankings page to see how the teams shook out.

We’ll do this again at the end of the season once everyone has a full season under their belts.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Score updates

North Carolina

(Dec. 13th) South Meck 22 - 3 Marvin Ridge

Hough W - L Corinth Holders (Forfeit)

(Dec. 19th) Hough 27 - 5 Marvin Ridge

(Dec. 20th) South Meck 40 - 5 Ardrey Kell

South Meck Gaining Steam

South Meck keeps rolling! The squad turned what started as a defensive battle into a decisive 22-3 victory over Marvin Ridge December 13th.

Marvin Ridge struck first with a 30-meter penalty kick, but South Meck Captain Quinn Miller had the answer, powering through from a maul to put South Meck ahead. The second half is when South Meck found their groove. Nick Flemmings dotted one down (with Brody Evans adding the conversion), then Mac Howell lit up the pitch with a 22-meter sprint to the try zone. Miller, having himself a day, muscled through a 5-meter charge out of a ruck for his second try.

Game ball went to Miller, who'd already received some pretty sweet news before kickoff – he's Brown University bound next fall! Two matches in, and South Meck is serving notice. These guys came to play this season.

Think you know rugby? Prove it!

Spoiler Alert: Don’t watch this video until you have answered the trivia question👆

Team Spotlight 🔦 Charlotte Catholic

Head Coach: Jason Zehmke

Charlotte Catholic is in the beginning stages of a turnaround. Simply put: New head coach, new focus.

Jason Zehmke isn’t new to the rugby scene—he just led the Charlotte Cardinals to a National Title in 2024. Now, he’s at the helm of the Charlotte Catholic boys too, looking to shake off a winless 0-7 season from 2023/2024.

The season started with a bang. On December 6th, they opened with a decisive 35-0 victory over Myers Park. And if you watched the game—they didn’t look anything like a team that couldn’t get a win last year.

The game had all the signs of a team on the rise: big runs for tries, a kicking game that flipped field position consistently, and sharp recognition of space that led to clean scoring chances. Add in a defense that brought the hits and held strong, and you’ve got a team playing fast, confident, and dangerous rugby.

It’s early days, but Charlotte Catholic might just be a team to watch.

Big Matchup: Hough Rugby. January 23rd.

Hough, last year’s state champs, handed Charlotte Catholic a tough loss last season—a result that’s surely still fresh in their minds. This rematch isn’t just another game; it’s a statement opportunity for Charlotte Catholic to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the state.

A win here would send a clear message that Charlotte Catholic is back and ready to contend. For a group of hungry young men looking to leave their mark on NC rugby, this game has all the makings of a defining moment.

Mark your calendars, folks.

Players to watch

Vince Keller (Captain) | Flyhalf | Senior

Vince has been playing rugby since 1st or 2nd grade and Coach Zehmke praised his “high rugby IQ" and athletic prowess.

Finley Costello (Vice-Captain) | Tighthead | Senior

A very athletic forward player who has great leadership skills.

Lukas Lupinski | Lock | Junior

A great athlete and talented football player, Lupinski has taken naturally to rugby. Coach Zehmke believes he has an incredibly bright future in the sport.

Keane Teeter | Flanker | Junior

Similar to Lupinski, Teeter’s football background has translated well to rugby, showing an immediate affinity for the game.

Miles Caple | Freshman | 8th Man

A freshman with incredible size and strength (we’re told he’s around 230 lbs and has a size 15 shoe!!). “He’s got one speed. He goes 100 miles per hour and he’s going to crush you.” -Coach Zehmke

Luke Zehmke | Sophomore | Inside Center

A tackle breaking machine at the #12 position—and the coach’s son. Luke also plays for Coach Zehmke on the Charlotte Cardinals and scored the final try at Nationals this past year.

Oh, and check out this run by Pat Cooney (St. Ignatius, 2024) on our Insta! 👇

Oddball musings, induced by borderline hypothermia.

🏉 Can’t a guy accidentally say “the rules of rugby” without getting pummeled with “They’re called LAWS, bozo!”? Asking for a friend.

🏉 There’s something unsettling about playing against a team where everyone wears scrum-caps.

🏉 Trick play not worth practicing: Throw the ball forward and have a teammate kick it before it hits the ground. I’m getting Tom Brady to Lionel Messi vibes here.