In only its third year of existence, the Southern Pines Rugby Club has built to a level that has become the envy of other rugby clubs within the state. To have established both a strong adult and youth team and to have hosted three tournaments, including a state youth competition, it is becoming clear that rugby is making its mark.
Success in the youth squad has become evident with several players now pulling interest from schools offering rugby scholarships. The team combines athletes from both the Pinecrest and Union Pines high schools. These young men are now a part of the United States’ fastest growing team sport. Lacking teams at the schools, it was up to these players to develop their knowledge of the game, promote their sport and make a name for themselves within the district. Key players Joe Hogan, Matthew DePolo, Jordan Daly and T.J. Powers have already been approached to play in a State Select side against a visiting Canadian team.
Dan Kennedy, youth squad coach, recognizes the effort that these boys have put in.
“These guys are doing it themselves,” Kennedy said. “They have jobs and they have school requirements, but they still dedicate what time they can to learning and playing rugby. And they are kicking butt.”
The youth squad has had success this season, including a recent victory against last year’s state champions. The Charlotte Hogs, who had not lost a game in over three years, were taught a high school rugby lesson on a recent trip to the Sandhills. In a mistake-free game, the Southern Pines “Jokers” displayed rugby skills not of rookies, but of rugby veterans.
“This was our chance for payback as they gave us a good flogging last year,” team captain Hogan said. “We put in a lot of extra effort at practice, had a great game plan and it all paid off.”
The Southern Pines men’s team has been bolstered this year with the addition of several new players. The team boasts an international flavor with team members coming from five different countries. This provides the team with invaluable experience from players who have been around the sport for many years. The sports versatility is also shown within its age bracket. Oldest team member Bruce Hogan, stating his age at 40 and a bit, enjoys the camaraderie of the game with his son, Joe, who at 17 is the youngest member of the team.
“We have a great range of ages in the team,” said the older Hogan. “Everybody is treated as an equal. I’ve been involved in rugby for over 25 years and a big part of it is the social aspect. This team is no exception with a great bunch of guys, and girls, that are friends.”
Now into its third year, the Southern Pines “Big Cones” have just begun their spring season. It their first match, Southern Pines showed complete dominance against home side Eno River. The team outscored their opponents by nine tries to zero to with a final score of Southern Pines 49, Eno River 0.
Southern Pines Rugby has planned a full month of rugby with a match on every weekend during April. Each Saturday in April at the Pinehurst Mile Harness Track, the men or youth will be competing in their respective competitions. It is free to the public.
The club has received some financial assistance from local companies. Sponsorship from Zeh Chiropractic Center, O’Donnell’s Pub, SMC 500, Carolina Brokerage, TH Blue and Longleaf PR has helped to cover field rental, referees and insurance costs. The team is still searching for a major sponsor to represent.
Details on both the adult and youth team, sponsorship and game schedule can be made by calling Todd Zeh, club president, at (910) 246-0606.
Games at Pinehurst Harness Track
April 2 — Southern Pines Men vs Gastonia; 9 — Southern Pines Youth vs Charlotte Lions; 16 — Southern Pines Men vs Dan River; 23 — Southern Pines Men vs Eno River; 30 — Southern Pines Men vs Southern Pine Youth.
