The Gaston County Rugby Club recently welcomed teams from Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina to Martha Rivers Park for an exhilarating weekend tournament. The competition encompassed games for men and women in divisions two, three, and four, highlighting the burgeoning rugby scene in Gaston County.
According to Allen LeCroy, the men’s director of D4 rugby for the Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union, the club’s growth is evident. Earlier this year, the Gaston County Rugby Club established a women’s team and has actively recruited players, significantly boosting the club’s membership, as stated by Gaston County Rugby Club Secretary John Lenti.
The club’s expansion, alongside the ample space available for players and spectators, led to the submission of a bid to host this year’s regional qualifier. Their successful bid marks a significant milestone for the club. The division two winners from the tournament will have the opportunity to progress to the Gulf Coast Super Regional competition in Austin, Texas from May 4 to 5. Following this, the victorious teams will advance to the Club National Championships, scheduled to take place from May 17 to 19 in Rock Round, Texas.
For LeCroy, one of the most enjoyable aspects of hosting the Gulf Coast Super Regional competition is the distinctive atmosphere of the sport. He emphasized the mutual respect inherent in rugby culture, explaining that players respect their opponents despite the intense competition on the field. Post-game, the home team typically invites their rivals for a drink at a local bar, fostering camaraderie and team bonding.
LeCroy highlighted the sportsmanship displayed on the field, which is equally evident to spectators. Regardless of the intense competition during the game, rugby players uphold a sense of respect and goodwill towards each other, embodying the true spirit of the sport.
The tournament hosted by the Gaston County Rugby Club not only displayed exceptional athleticism and skill but also epitomised the core values of rugby – respect, camaraderie, and community. As the rugby scene continues to thrive in Gaston County, the club’s future looks promising, with further opportunities to promote friendships and sportsmanship through the game of rugby.