Sarasota Surge Rugby Team Wins State Championship

The Sarasota Surge Rugby Club – a competitive D3 men's rugby club representing Manatee and Sarasota counties – is celebrating a 29 to 20 win over the Gainesville Hogs for the 2016 Division 3 Florida Men’s State Championship. The competition was held in Wellington, Florida, on Saturday, April 16, 2016, and featured multiple divisions from the Men’s State Championship down to the Boys U8.

“Our success this past weekend was made possible by the hard work of countless individuals, and it was a great moment for both our youth program and our men’s team,” said Sarasota Surge Rugby Club president and player Troy Nealey. “We want to thank the Sarasota/Bradenton community for their ongoing support. I’m so proud to see how far our club has gone. Now we are off to Montgomery with our eyes on the south championship!”

The Sarasota Surge Rugby Club was founded in 2010 by a small group of International and American rugby players to fill the need for rugby in our area. The club has experienced remarkable growth and success in its six years of operation, adding a youth program, earning a playoff appearance in 2012, achieving an undefeated season in 2013 and making the semi-finals in 2014. This year’s state championship win was the first for the program since its inception.

“This weekend was a huge success for the Sarasota Rugby Club,” said Sarasota Surge coach Dai Morgan. “All teams representing the Sarasota-Bradenton area – U10, U12 and U14 – played exceptionally well and won their games. The icing on the cake was the men’s team taking home the Florida State Championship – it was a wonderful occasion!”

The Gainesville Hogs have historically been a formidable opponent for the Surge, having won four consecutive Florida state titles. The 2016 state championship victory elevates the Surge to compete in the USA South Regionals in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 30, 2016, to face the winner of the North Carolina State Championship game between Chapel Hill and Southern Pines. To help with travel costs to the competition, The Sarasota Rugby Club has launched a fundraising campaign at SarasotaRugbyClub.com, where visitors can make a tax-deductible donation to the 501 (c) 3 organization.

About The Sarasota Surge Rugby Club

The Sarasota Surge Rugby Club is a community-based sports team for players in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. After merging with the Sarasota International Cricket Club, the club gained a permanent practice and playing facility at 7401 University Parkway in Bradenton. The club offers a youth academy for ages 10 to 14, plus a men’s team that competes in the Florida Rugby Union. New players are always welcome, and no experience is required to join. For more information, visit sarasotarugbyclub.com or call 941-284-8890.

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