· Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews in Charlotte, NC to host 2018 Championship Weekend; December 1-2.
· USA Rugby in association with Rugby Relief will be raising funds for rugby community affected by Hurricane Florence.
· Vassar College, Scott Boulevard Fields, East Carolina University, Mount St. Mary's University to host opening round of the playoffs; November 17-18
LAFAYETTE, CO - USA Rugby has announced locations and dates for 2018 Fall College Championships and Men's D2 National Championship Series. Vassar College, Scott Boulevard Fields, East Carolina University, and Mount St. Mary's University will host playoff rounds on the weekend of November 17-18; While the Championships will be held at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews in Charlotte, North Carolina, December 1-2. With the Championships hosted in North Carolina, USA Rugby is working with Carolinas Geographic Union and Rugby Relief, to explore ways of supporting the effected rugby community in the area. Further information regarding relief efforts will be released shortly.
After being hosted at Furman University for the past few years, this will be the first year the Fall Championships head to the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews. The Sportsplex has otherwise hosted North Carolina High School State Championships in previous years. It is a first-class facility and continuing to establish itself as the home of rugby in North Carolina.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the fall championships at such a professionalized venue,' said James Wilber, USA Rugby's Senior Manager, Events. "In addition to all of the amenities that the stadium has to offer, the support that we are receiving from the local rugby community and Visit Charlotte will undoubtedly create a positive experience for teams and spectators alike.'
"Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews are excited to partner with USA Rugby, the CRVA and the local rugby community to showcase Charlotte as a rugby destination and provide a first class experience for all the competitors and spectators.' Noted Preston Buckman, Facility Manager II of the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews.
Vassar College and East Carolina University return as hosts of the Collegiate Playoff Series. This is in large part, due to the work of Tony Brown at Vassar and Justin Waters at East Carolina. Scott Boulevard Fields of Columbia Missouri and Mount St. Mary's University are both new and welcomed additions, and are receiving tremendous community support.
The first weekend of the playoffs will see Men's D1AA and Women's D1 compete in quarter and semi finals; while in Men's and Women's D2 will compete in a Round of 16 and quarterfinals. Team's that advance through the opening weekend of the playoffs will then meet in North Carolina for a shot at the Championships.
Dates and Locations:
Men's D1AA:
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: November 17-18
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Mount St. Mary's Emmitsburg, MD
Fall Championship: December 2
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews, Charlotte, NC
LIVE on FloRugby
Women's D1:
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: November 17-18:
Scott Boulevard Fields, Columbia, MO
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Fall Championship: December 2
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews, Charlotte , NC
LIVE on FloRugby
Men's D2:
Round of 16 and Quarterfinals November 17-18:
Scott Boulevard Fields, Columbia, MO
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
National Semifinals and Championship December 1-2:
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews, Charlotte, NC
LIVE on FloRugby
Women's D2:
Round of 16 and Quarterfinals November 17-18:
Scott Boulevard Fields, Columbia, MO
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Fall Semifinals Championship December 1-2:
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews, Charlotte, NC
LIVE on FloRugby
