Welcome to Highlanders Rugby. Our mission is to provide our players & parents with the most positive sporting experience possible through the legendary rugby ethos. What is the rugby ethos? Why is it so special? Please take some time to move through this website to answer those questions. Highlander Rugby is 100% inclusive and committed to the pillars of the rugby experience: fun, teamwork, discipline, creativity, sportsmanship, & camaraderie.
Best,
Robert Joseph
President, Highlanders Youth Rugby
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The triumphant 2010 Highlanders posing after winning their 5th straight State Championship
Highlanders Rugby, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a youth rugby club based in the town of Chapel Hill in North Carolina, USA. The club was founded in the fall of 2003 by Robert Joseph and Robert Futch and played its first High School season in spring 2004. The High School A and B sides compete in the North Carolina Youth Rugby (NCYR) club conference. Season 2009 saw the Highlanders field their first U15 and U13 tackle teams. The U15 Highlanders played for the state title in their first year. The Highlanders also continue to run touch rugby for boys and girls of all ages throughout the year.
The Highlanders U19s have achieved many milestones since the club's inception. Season 2010 saw the team complete a "5-peat" as U19 NC State Champions and a South Regional Finals appearance. This followed-up on a strong 2009 season as the "4-peat" state champion, USA Rugby Nationals qualification (7th in the nation) as the USA Rugby South Champion. The club has played in 7 State finals, 4 South Championships (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010), National Championships (2005, 2009) and has supplied a large number of players to the Carolina All Stars. Over 20 of the club's players have also benefited from attending USA Rugby development and selection camps, with 2 players making the USA U17 and U18 Eagle teams in 2008 and 2009. This exposure to elite level rugby through the All Stars and USA Rugby programs has been pivotal in the Highlanders success.