Our Story
The Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Club was founded in 2021 by a group of like-minded rugby coaches and parents Our coaching team combined has a lifetime of top-level coaching and playing experience under their belts - most are former rugby players themselves. Our club provides coaching and learning skills for youth, from elementary through high school, and to learn the values and life lessons the rugby game teaches in Charlotte, NC and its surrounding areas.
The demographics of families in the Cardinals are unique, and promote diversity within the already multicultural community of Charlotte, NC and its surrounding areas. The Cardinals are a multi-national rugby club, and proud to have members from South Africa, New Zealand, Samoa, Malaysia, Scotland, Ireland (just to name a few).
The club opens its doors to serve and offer youths and their families a place to make new friends and become active, positive members of our community. The Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Team ultimately aims to provide an inclusive, enjoyable playing environment to foster development, sportsmanship, and community in a safe and fun atmosphere.
Our talented coaches selflessly volunteer their hours and time to develop the sport in the greater Charlotte area, and are USA Rugby Certified. In our 2024 season, we had 10 teams:
Two teams of High School Girls. Our girls play in the NCYRU and Elite Girls Rugby League – starting in February and ending in June. Our High School Girls also play in the North Carolina 7’s Fall Season which runs from September through October.
Four teams of High School Boys. Our boys play in the NCYRU High School Club League – starting in February and ending in May. In 2024, our high school boys won the High School Boys Club Rugby National Champions - Tier 1!
Two teams, one each for u10 and u12 (both Co-ed) which play in the NCYRU Youth Club League – starting in February and ending in May.
Two teams for u14 (Boys) which play in the NCYRU Youth Club League – starting in February and ending in May.
In 2024 we will be adding a u14 Girls team which will play in the NCYRU Youth Club League – starting in February and ending in May.
The Club practices 2-3 times a week from 6:00 -8:00 PM with most matches on a Saturday (High School) and Sunday (Youth).