E&H Men's rugby group on the field.

Rugby

Rugby is one of the fastest-growing club sports in America. The Men’s Rugby Team at Emory & Henry competes against other college club teams from around the region and in the Cardinal Athletic Conference. 

Join Emory & Henry’s Rugby Team

During the summer, Emory & Henry typically hosts middle or high school rugby camps. Contact coach O’Neil for more information.

Emory & Henry added competitive rugby to enhance the vibrant culture of the college community and to start a new tradition. Men’s Rugby is registered through National Collegiate Rugby. The teams travel and play at home against other institutions on a collegiate level.

Women’s Rugby is now an NCAA Varsity Sport

Women’s Rugby at Emory & Henry Athletics

Men’s Rugby is a Club Sport

Men’s Rugby Recruiting Questionnaire

*Important Note: Per NCAA rules, if you participate in an NCAA-athletic team you are not eligible for a Rugby Scholarship*

Men's Rugby wins first Conference Championship in Program History. (2021) Men's Rugby wins first Conference Championship in Program History. (2021)


Men’s Rugby

Men’s Rugby began at Emory & Henry in 2012 as a Club Sport program. It quickly grew into a popular sport on campus and transitioned to Affinity in 2016. The program has seen much success since that time and has seen many players receive high honors for their performance on the pitch. 

The E&H Men’s Rugby program competes within the Cardinals Collegiate Rugby Conference as a part of the Challenger’s Division. In 2018, E&H finished 2nd in the conference and Head Coach Tom (Doc) O’Neill was named the 2018 Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Conference Coach of the Year.

The 2020-2021 Men’s team saw six members selected to the Conference All-Star Team despite not having played a full season due to COVID-19.  Conference All-Star members selected were:

  • Eli Hamilton
  • David Doss
  • Hunter Burkett
  • Ethan Hughes
  • Wes Clements
  • Brandon Blair

The Conference Team finished sixth nationally at the National Collegiate Rugby Tournament in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

The 2021-2022 Men’s team had it’s most succesful season in program history. Led by Coach O’Neill, the team finished the season undefeated with an 8-0 record and nationally ranked by National Collegiate Rugby. The team also won it’s first Conference Championship in Program history, beating The College of William & Mary in the Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Conference Tournament final, played at Emory & Henry. 

2021-2022 Season Results:

  • Sept. 11th vs. James Madison University- Won, 64-5
  • Sept. 18th vs. College of William & Mary- Won (forfeit)
  • Sept. 25th vs. Virginia Commonwealth University- Won, 49-14
  • Oct. 2nd vs. Longwood- Won (forfeit) (E&H Nationally Ranked- #17)
  • Oct. 14th vs. Roanoke College- Won, 75-14 (E&H Nationally Ranked- #14)
  • Oct. 30th at Richmond University- Won 41-12 (E&H Nationally Ranked- #17)
  • Nov. 6th and 7th (Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Conference Tournament)
    • Round 1 vs Roanoke College- Won, 58-0
    • Round 2 vs. College of William & Mary- Won, 63-26

2021-2022 Cardinal College Rugby Conference, Challengers Division, Champions!!

  • Nov. 20th and 21st (Regional Tournament at The Citadel, Charleston, SC)