Anthem Rugby Carolina, shortened to Anthem RC, is an American professional rugby union team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that competes in Major League Rugby (MLR). The team was founded in 2024, and began to play during the 2024 season. Unlike other MLR teams, Anthem RC is funded by governing bodies, USA Rugby and World Rugby,[1] in the aim to improve the USA Eagles so they may qualify for the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup, and be competitive for the US-hosted 2031 Rugby World Cup.[2]
 | ||
| Nickname | The Rising Stars | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | February 5, 2024 | |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina | |
| Ground | American Legion Memorial Stadium (Capacity: 10,500) | |
| Coach | Agustín Cavalieri | |
| Captain | Sam Golla | |
| Most caps | Dan Hanson (31) | |
| Top scorer | Cliven Loubser (57) | |
| Most tries | Te Rangatira Waitokia (7) | |
| League | Major League Rugby | |
| 2025 | Eastern Conference: 6th Playoffs: DNQ | |
| ||
History
editAnthem RC finished the 2024 season 0–16, the third winless season in MLR history after the 2019 Austin Elite and 2022 Dallas Jackals. Despite the team's struggle, Anthem back Junior Gafa was named MLR Rookie of the Year,[3] with scrum-half Siaosi Nai and left wing Cael Hodgson earning First XV honors.[4]
Anthem RC announced the appointment of Patrick Stack as its first team president on January 14, 2025.[5] On March 31, 2025, Anthem RC became the first team in MLR history to field a roster entirely composed of domestic players in 25–17 loss to the Seattle Seawolves.[6]
Players and personnel
editCurrent squad
editThe Anthem Rugby Carolina squad for the 2026 Major League Rugby season is:
| 2026 Anthem Rugby Carolina squad | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Props
Hookers
Locks
|
Back row
Scrum-halves
Fly-halves |
Centres
Wings
Fullbacks
|
| (c) denotes the team captain. Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for United States on residency or dual nationality. |
Head coach
edit
Alama Ieremia (2024–present)
Technical staff
editThe team's technical staff as of 2024[update] is as follows:[8]
Neethling Gericke - Assistant Coach, Forwards (2024–present)- Elvis Seveali'i - Assistant Coach, Backs and Skills (2024–present)
Brendan Keane - Assistant Coach (2024–present)
Matoko Noudehou - Physical Performance Coach (2024–present)- Zach Fournier - Lead Athletic Trainer (2024–present)
- Michael Sheridan - Assistant Athletic Trainer (2024–present)
- Luke Richmond - Analyst (2024–present)
Darran Coleman - Team Manager (2024–present)
Records
edit2024 season
editAnthem Rugby Carolina played 16 games in the 2024 regular season. They did not make the playoffs.
2025 season
editAnthem Rugby Carolina played 16 games in the 2025 regular season.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 15 | NOLA Gold | Away | Gold Mine on Airline | Lost, 35–14 |
| February 21 | San Diego Legion | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 52–5 |
| February 28 | Miami Sharks | Home | Mecklenburg County Sportsplex | Lost, 32–31 |
| March 8 | Old Glory DC | Away | Maryland SoccerPlex | Lost, 26–22 |
| March 22 | Houston SaberCats | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 46–45 |
| March 29 | Seattle Seawolves | Away | Starfire Stadium | Lost, 25–17 |
| April 5 | NOLA Gold | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 33–19 |
| April 13 | Chicago Hounds | Away | SeatGeek Stadium | Lost, 28–20 |
| April 18 | New England Free Jacks | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 26–6 |
| April 23 | Seattle Seawolves | Home | Mecklenburg County Sportsplex | Lost, 60–19 |
| April 27 | Miami Sharks | Away | Baptist Health Community Field | Lost, 31–5 |
| May 10 | RFCLA | Away | Wallis Annenberg Stadium | Lost, 45–17 |
| May 18 | Old Glory DC | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 41–19 |
| May 24 | Chicago Hounds | Home | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Lost, 33–19 |
| May 30 | Utah Warriors | Away | Zions Bank Stadium | Lost, 31–10 |
| June 8 | Houston SaberCats | Away | SaberCats Stadium | Lost, 26–14 |
Honors
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ↑ Pengelly, Martin (January 19, 2024). "World Rugby backs North Carolina team in US MLR with eye on 2031 World Cup". The Guardian. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ↑ "MLR, World Rugby, USA Rugby forge historic partnership". Anthem RC. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ↑ https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/major-league-rugby-rookie-of-the-year/
- ↑ https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/first-xv-wk14-2024/
- ↑ https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/anthem-rugby-carolina-names-patrick-stack-as-first-team-president/
- ↑ https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/major-league-rugby-week-7-recap/
- ↑ "Anthem RC". North American Rugby Database. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ "Anthem RC Technical Staff".
