Anthem Rugby Carolina, shortened to Anthem RC, are a professional rugby union team in Major League Rugby (MLR), based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Rugby World Cup, and be competitive for the US-hosted 2031 Rugby World Cup.[2]
 | |
| Founded | February 5, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Ground(s) | American Legion Memorial Stadium (Capacity: 10,500) |
| Coach(es) | Alama Ieremia |
| Captain(s) | Jake Turnbull |
| League(s) | Major League Rugby |
Players and personnel edit
Current squad edit
The Anthem Rugby Carolina squad for the 2024 Major League Rugby season is:[3]
Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
- Senior 15s and senior 7s internationally capped players are listed in bold.
- * denotes players qualified to play for the United States on dual nationality or residency grounds.
- MLR teams are allowed to field up to ten overseas players per match.
Head coaches edit
Alama Ieremia (2024–present)
References 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.
- ^ "Anthem Carolina". Americas Rugby News. Retrieved February 3, 2024.