Anthem Rugby Carolina Explained

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 Rugby World Cup, and be competitive for the US-hosted 2031 Rugby World Cup.^[2]

Players and personnel

Current squad

The Anthem Rugby Carolina squad for the 2024 Major League Rugby season is:^[3]

• Senior 15s and senior 7s internationally capped players are listed in bold.
• * denotes players qualified to play for the on dual nationality or residency grounds.
• MLR teams are allowed to field up to ten overseas players per match.

Head Coach

• Alama Ieremia (2024–present)

Technical Staff

The team's technical staff is as follows:^[4]

• 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 - Analysist (2024-present)
• Darran Coleman - Team Manager (2024-present)

Records

Season standings

Notes and References

1. News: Pengelly . Martin . World Rugby backs North Carolina team in US MLR with eye on 2031 World Cup . 23 January 2024 . The Guardian . 19 January 2024.
2. Web site: MLR, World Rugby, USA Rugby forge historic partnership . Anthem RC . 23 January 2024.
3. Web site: Anthem Carolina. Americas Rugby News. 3 February 2024.
4. Web site: Anthem RC Technical Staff .