Charlotte, NC, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Charlotte rugby team has demonstrated significant progress in their recent matches within the Southern Conference. Highlighting their growth, the team had a notable tie against South Carolina and a solid victory over NC State. Under Head Coach Robert McCachren’s leadership, the program has focused on enhancing its recruiting efforts and building a robust team, now featuring 17 new players. This momentum was further evident in a thrilling comeback win against Furman, showcasing the team’s resilience and potential for future success.
Charlotte, NC – The UNC Charlotte rugby team has demonstrated significant improvement in their recent performances against rivals in the Southern Conference, showcasing their competitiveness and potential for growth in the ongoing season.
Playing in the Southern Conference D1 league, UNC Charlotte faced a mix of teams from the NCR D1 and NCR D1AA divisions, including Lander, Wingate, NC State, and Appalachian State. Recent highlight matches included a tie against South Carolina at 10-10 and an impressive win over NC State, where UNC Charlotte secured a 24-15 victory.
Head Coach Robert McCachren, who has been with the team for three years, has actively worked towards improving the conference’s reputation. Under his guidance, the team set goals to elevate their standing within their division through enhanced recruiting efforts. UNC Charlotte benefits from relatively inexpensive in-state tuition and a strong pool of high school student-athletes, positioning it well for growth.
In McCachren’s first year, the team boasted a capable starting 15 but faced challenges due to a lack of depth. This situation has improved notably with the addition of 17 new players this season. The coaching staff has also expanded to four coaches to further enhance team development.
To assist in recruiting, the team utilized the NextPhaseRugby app, which has played a crucial role in connecting with potential players. The hard work has shown results, including a finalist appearance in the CRC 7s, where the 49ers faced off against NC State. This match underscored the team’s competitive improvement within the conference.
McCachren has emphasized the team’s defensive abilities, highlighting their pride in strong defensive plays. Despite some recent successes, he believes the team has not yet reached its full potential, feeling that they played a C-Plus or B-Minus level game in their first two matches. Known for their physical, contact-heavy style of play, UNC Charlotte is often characterized as “thumpers.”
Key players have emerged, such as graduate Cam McKinnon, who provides maturity and leadership, alongside team captain Wayne Robinson, recognized for his powerful running style. Lucas Fountain delivered a standout performance against NC State, contributing a significant tackle and scoring a crucial try.
The team has also benefited from scrimmaging against the more experienced Charlotte men’s rugby team, which has boosted their confidence for upcoming challenges. In a recent Southern Rugby Conference match against Furman, UNC Charlotte showcased their resilience and capability. They initially trailed 26-12 at halftime after Furman scored multiple tries and penalty kicks. However, the 49ers responded strongly in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries to climb back and lead 38-26.
The game concluded in dramatic fashion as UNC Charlotte secured a victory with a last-minute penalty kick, finalizing the score at 44-41. This match is viewed as a potential preview for the Southern Conference final, with both teams remaining in contention for a national playoff berth.
Summary of Key Matches
| Match | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Charlotte vs. South Carolina | 10-10 Tie | Competitive showcase |
| UNC Charlotte vs. NC State | 24-15 Win | Strong teamwork and strategy |
| UNC Charlotte vs. Furman | 44-41 Win | Comeback victory with last-minute penalty |
FAQ Section
What league does the UNC Charlotte rugby team compete in?
UNC Charlotte plays in the Southern Conference D1 league, competing against both NCR D1 teams, like Lander and Wingate, and NCR D1AA teams, including NC State and Appalachian State.
How has the team performed recently?
The team’s recent performances include a tie against South Carolina (10-10) and a win over NC State (24-15).
What are the team’s goals for the current season?
The team set a goal to move up in the division, which required enhanced recruiting efforts.
How many new players joined the team this season?
The team recruited 17 new players this season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Goff Rugby Report: UNC Charlotte Rugby Updates
- Charlotte Observer: High School Sports
- FloRugby: UNC Charlotte D2 Classic Results
- Axios: USA Rugby Matches in Charlotte
- Goff Rugby Report: D1 Level Teams
- Wikipedia: Rugby Union
- Google Search: Rugby News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rugby
- Google News: Rugby
- Google Scholar: Rugby Research
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