“What many people don’t realize is that The Friendship Cup started as a single match in 2023 between Raptor Rugby (TN) and the Charlotte Cardinals.
“Jason Zehmke reached out because his team was looking for a match, and we decided to test ourselves against one of the top Tier 1 high school programs in the nation.”
That match, played in Knoxville, was fast-paced and eye-opening—an early glimpse into the level of competition required to succeed on the national stage.
Three years later, Orefice—along with partners Santi Cuccarese and England international Tom May—has grown the event into a premier national showcase featuring top teams from across the United States.
“In full disclosure, it was Jason’s idea to leave out the traditional tournament format and just ‘play rugby,’” Orefice explained. “This gives top clubs the opportunity to face teams they wouldn’t normally see during the regular season. Each year, we award the Cup to the team—or teams—that best exemplify rugby’s core values throughout the weekend, regardless of record.”
The event has continued to expand, now including a Tier 2 men’s bracket and a strengthened women’s division featuring current and recent state champions.
“I’m especially excited for Sunday’s slate,” Orefice added, “highlighted by two of the top-rated high school clubs in the country—the American Fork Cavemen and the Charlotte Cardinals.”
Tom May echoed that excitement:
“I met Mike several years ago in England, and we connected immediately. Since then, I’ve visited the U.S. multiple times through Peak and Panther Rugby Academy. I continue to be amazed by the talent level of these young men and women, and by how much the game has grown since my first visit in 2021. We’re hopeful to bring a team from the UK in the near future.”
Charlotte Cardinals head coach Jason Zehmke emphasized the event’s impact:
“What an amazing event Mike, Santi, Tom, and Boone (Peak Rugby) have put together—it’s truly one of the highlights of our year. Traveling to Tennessee with both our Boys Red and Blue sides, along with our Girls team, to face some of the best competition in the country all in one weekend—it doesn’t get much better than that.
“Beyond reconnecting with great coaches, the weekend gives us a chance to experiment with new combinations across all our squads. For our Red Boys team especially, it’s a key part of fine-tuning our preparation as we approach Nationals.”
When the Cardinals faced a scheduling conflict in year two, Orefice reached out to Curt Trout of Pendleton Rugby Club in Indiana.
“As always, he said, ‘We’re in—send me the details,’” Orefice recalled.
Pendleton, a four-time reigning Indiana State Champion, consistently brings energy and high-level play to the event.
“Curt and the Pendleton program are a national powerhouse and great friends to Raptor Rugby, Tennessee, and The Friendship Cup,” Orefice added.
Curt Trout shared his perspective:
“We have tremendous respect for the Friendship Cup and everything it represents. The organizers have created something truly special—an event that not only showcases high-level rugby, but also emphasizes sportsmanship, community, and the growth of the game.
“We’re especially grateful for the level of competition. Taking the field against state and regional champions is an opportunity our players don’t take lightly. Many of these programs have set the standard in their areas, and several will go on to compete at the Boys High School National Championships, which speaks volumes about the quality of rugby here.
“For us, this is exactly the kind of challenge we’re looking for. Iron sharpens iron, and competing against the best helps us grow—not just as players, but as teammates and as a program. We’re honored to share the field with such accomplished opponents and look forward to learning from every match.”
In 2024, the event expanded westward with the addition of American Fork Cavemen Rugby. Like Raptor Rugby, the Cavemen used the Friendship Cup as a springboard to the High School National Championships.
“Cavemen Rugby has a proud tradition, and we’re thrilled to have them back this year,” Orefice said. He also credited Richard Vernon and his staff for helping introduce and recruit one of Utah’s top girls programs, Utah United, to this year’s event.
Cavemen leadership shared their enthusiasm:
Vaha Esikia, Head Coach:
“Cavemen Rugby from American Fork, Utah, is honored to participate in The Friendship Cup for our second year. The level of competition from across the country is exceptional, and the invitational committee continues to set the standard for what a national-level experience should be.”
Richard Vernon, Co-Founder & Assistant Coach:
“After moving my family from Utah to Tennessee, one of the greatest blessings has been connecting with Mike Orefice, Richard Boone, and Santi Cuccarese—the driving forces behind The Friendship Cup. They embody everything that makes rugby special: friendship, community, commitment, integrity, and a passion for creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes.”
Earl Simmons, President:
“Cavemen Rugby has been building its program since 2010, starting with a single U6 team and growing into a full club serving players from youth through high school. That original group competed in last year’s Friendship Cup, earned a Nationals berth, and finished third in the country.
“What makes our program special is continuity—many of our players, including our current 9/10 combination, have been playing together for over 13 years. The Friendship Cup represents what youth rugby is all about: providing high-level opportunities for players to compete, grow, and build lifelong bonds.”
Santi Cuccarese summarized the broader vision:
“Our goal is to provide players across the United States with an opportunity to compete at a high level. We also want families and fans to experience top-quality rugby in a family-friendly environment. Friendship Cup weekend also creates a valuable opportunity for college coaches at all levels to attend, evaluate talent, and connect with players and families—all in one place. The Friendship Cup is a celebration of our diverse rugby culture.”