Photo: Spectrum News
The Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Club made history by winning the High School Boys National Championship for the club division in May, marking a significant achievement for the three-year-old, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. With players and coaches hailing from diverse countries like New Zealand, Samoa, South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S., the club's victory underscores the growing popularity of rugby beyond the West Coast. This win also makes the Charlotte Cardinals the first team on the East Coast to claim the prestigious title.
Head Coach and President Jason Zehmke, who brings 35 years of rugby experience, highlighted the club's mission to not only grow the sport but also to foster community service. Players like Jake Schumacher, a recent high school graduate who will continue his rugby journey at the University of Arizona, celebrated the victory as a culmination of hard work. The team’s success has led to increasing interest in rugby, with the club’s membership growing significantly each year, while the sport's presence is expanding across the U.S.
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