Georgia Ruggers Shock All to Win South

                                                                    Georgia Shocks All to Win South

That was the headline on the Goff Rugby Report, the online rugby news site that covers all rugby in the USA. And how true it was, except for 24 rugby playing HS juniors and seniors who came together 3 months ago with one goal in mind. They were not shocked and winning it all was expected and the Golden Eagles would leave with nothing less than the cup. Not only did the boys from Georgia take the championship, they rolled through the field like that Midnight Train.

As the Georgia high school rugby season was winding down, players were invited by the Georgia Selects Rugby Academy to participate in weekend training. This newly created organization’s main charter was to oversee and develop the all-star teams that would represent Georgia in USA Rugby sanctioned tournaments and providing exposure to USA Rugby and college coaches. The Academy was self-sufficient through fundraising, sponsorships and club fees paid by players.

While Georgia was not a pre-tournament favorite the Varsity Eagles rallied around the underdog label. After disposing of a stubborn South Carolina team 22-17 in the tourney’s first match, they ran over and around Florida for a 35-12 victory. On Sunday the Eagles won a defensive struggle over a tournament front-runner Tennessee 10-5 before facing hometown favorite North Carolina. Playing under temps hovering around 100 degrees on the field, Georgia disposed of the defending champs 24-20.

The Georgia Hawks JV squad finished as a tournament finalist, losing to NC 28-10 for the second year in a row. The Middle School Thrashers went 0-3 but steadily improved in each match.

The clubs consisted of players from 4 counties, Cobb, Gwinnett, Forsyth and Fulton. The USA South Region Champion Eagles are, Eddy Smith, Cam Tibbetts (vice capt), Darius Strimbu, Tyler Stredrick, Peter Kinsella, Mylon, Blair, Michael Curran, Malik Williams, Andrew Pretorius, Lechandt Opperman, AJ Malone, Josh Inglis (Capt), Shea O’Hanlon, Chris Bagby, Austin Willis, Buni Amobi, Nic Koumandrakis, Deluxy Adams, Tristan Harwell, Seth Cranfill, Cristian Calvillo, Tyler Blanchard, Campbell Robinson and Braden Crabtree. The JV Hawks are comprised by Muhamed Abdullah, Mitchell Blair, Melvin Contreras, Taylor Croyts, Eli Dabbs, Estiaan du Plessis, Lester Dumas, Connor Griffin, Harrison Henry, Zach Jacob, Ari Lorentz, Austin Lyons, William Lyons, Justin Marks, Matt Meehan, Joey Monamat, Sean O’Driscoll, Jean Roberts (Capt), Hayes Ryan, Justin Sackett, Chase Veermaak, Rico Weddington and Delan Wilson.

The Academy will fall under the newly formed Rugby Georgia Union which will oversee all youth rugby in Georgia. The Union plans on expanding the Middle School program to Gwinnett County and introducing a touch/flag version of game to elementary school aged boys and girls throughout Metro Atlanta. Any players interested in participating in a Georgia Middle School or High School club can email GM Mark Tibbetts at GASELECTSRUGBYACADEMY@GMAIL.COM or contact us on our Facebook page, Georgia Selects Rugby Academy.

Bb1)