Why you should go to the USA Rugby Club Playoffs this weekend

The Rugby Athletic Center will host the USA Rugby Club National Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals this Saturday and Sunday, May 30th and 31st.

Facts

• The Rugby Athletic Center is located at 3722 S. Tryon, a convenient two-minute drive or 12-minute walk from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
• Matches go from 10am to 7pm Saturday and 9am to 6pm Sunday.
• You can watch all levels of rugby with Divisions I, II and III competing for the men and Divisions I and II competing for the women.
• The RAC’s concession stand, Third Half Club & Pub, serves brat’s, nachos and, of course, beer. I know I’ll personally be hitting up their 16oz PBR’s.

• The winners from Sunday’s matches will head to the National Championships held in Glendale, CO.

Quote

“Earning the bid to host the USA Rugby Emirates Airline Club National Quarter- & Semi-finals… is the product of countless hours of hard work and commitment to the game from many staff members and volunteers. We are looking forward to welcoming 20 of the top men’s and women’s club teams and their dedicated fans from across the country and at home in the Carolinas for this exceptional competition.” – Katie Wurst, RAC Athletic Operations Manager

Talking Points

• This is the first national level USA Rugby event held in Charlotte.
• Tickets cost $10 per day, $15 for a weekend pass.
• If you can only make it to one match, I suggest the Division I Men’s playoff at 5pm Saturday when the Potomac Exiles (great name) take on New York Athletic.

Wait, What’s Rugby?

You don’t need to understand the rules of rugby to enjoy the matches (especially after a few beers). Here’s a quick rundown of the game:

• Rugby has 15 positions split between forwards and backs. The forwards are generally large and strong while the backs are small and fast.
• You’ll see players come together in a big pack throughout the game. This is called a scrum. It’s intense.
• Players can only pass the ball backwards.
• Rucking is when the ball is on the ground and both teams come together to fight over it with their feet.
• When the ball goes out of bounds, you’ll see both teams lift players into the air. It’s called a lineout and it’s cool to watch.

If you’ve never seen a rugby match, here’s you chance to experience some tackling, rucking and post-game beer chugging. I’ll see you there.

Follow The Rugby Athletic Center on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos via Augusta Furies, Rugby Athletic Center and Potomac Exiles.