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U.S. rugby challenge makes its way to South Carolina
8/7/2008 11:21 PM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend



By MIKE GELLATLY

Staff writer

This weekend some of America's finest athletes will be competing and defending the pride of their nation in an international event. However, unlike those battling the smog on the other side of the world, this event takes place in South Carolina and the sport is the second most popular in the world.

On Saturday evening, the U.S. National Rugby Team, nicknamed the Eagles, will take on one of the top European club teams, ASM Clermont Auvergne in a first of its kind match.

The Michelin Challenge Rugby exhibition match in Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island in Charleston sees the Eagles playing in the first ever international rugby exhibition in the state of South Carolina.

"As the world becomes increasingly smaller, we're finding sports that are popular in other areas of the world now making their way into U.S. homes," said USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville. "That's why international competition such as Michelin Challenge Rugby is so important - it gives us the chance to expose more Americans to this exciting and rapidly growing team sport."

The USA men's team is ranked in the top 25 teams in the world out of the 95 test-playing rugby nations. Clerment Auvergne finished second in its national competition, the Top 14, the highest level of French rugby. Its roster includes international players from all over the world, including South Africa, France and Argentina.

The day's events will not just see the game; two high school all-star teams will play each other before the main event begins. North Carolina and South Carolina's best under-19 players will square off for pride.

"We're very, the players are very excited," said Jeff Smolka, Commissioner of South Carolina High School Rugby. "This is great, playing at half-time of an Eagles match. What better stage is there, being in front of a big crowd."

Each state has selected a roster of 25-28 players who will compete in their full match at 3 p.m. and then be announced at half-time of the international match.

"We're very excited to host a quality event," Smolka said.

"It's important to note that this match is not just about the teams showing up and playing the game, it's about the opportunities this match presents to develop the game of rugby on a whole," Melville added.

"With coach, referee and youth development opportunities, USA Rugby is looking forward to developing this into a legacy event. We are about furthering the growth of the game and a fixture like this can only help build upon our momentum forward."

The match will be televised nationally on ESPN Classic at 8 p.m.

Michelin announced recently that a part of the proceeds from each ticket to Michelin Challenge Rugby will benefit autism research being conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

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