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Latest Highlanders News

June 14, 2010: Congratulations are in order for twelve Highlanders for their selection to the Carolina All-Star final roster. The Carolina All-Stars will compete in two age divisions in Pittsburgh, PA (6/19 - 20) against top all star programs. Winning spots on the u17 side are: Tim Torres, Ian Toth, and Logan Tisch. Winning spots on the u19 side are: Richard Van Valkenburg, Kent Mackman, Robert Jordan, Dallas Owens, Owen Humphreys, Jonathan Marshall, Sebastian Torres, Arthur Wagner, and Jamie Reed. The u19 NC side built momentum leading into the Pittsburgh tournament through convincing victories against the Georgia All-Stars this past weekend. Enjoy the tour lads.

June 7, 2010: The entire Highlander club community gathered on beautiful southern evening for the 2010 End of Year Party. Enormous thanks to Charlotte Jordan for pulling together a terrific event. Players, parents, siblings, alumni, and coaches - representing u13 - u15 - u19 age grades - enjoyed the chance to celebrate another social gathering and reflect on the club's outstanding performance in 2010 - both on and off the field. The club sends 23 rugby men (seniors) into the world - with many laughs, a few close tears, and heartfelt thanks from all. Good on ya lads. A core value of the Highlanders is to celebrate and play as ONE. 2010 certainly manifested that intention. Still, the players vote for Player of the Year - and that honor went to #8, Kent "Scottie" Mackman. To commenorate 2010, the yearbook committee distributed the much antipated & stunning edition of Men in Black 2010. A treasure to all documenting the 2010 journey & yet another championship run. One stunning fact revealed in Men in Black 2010 was that the Highlander community is made up of at least 17 nations of origin - representing five of seven continents. We all call Chapel Hill home - so to the graduating seniors - all the best & stay in touch with your home club.

May 11, 2010: The u15 Highlanders finished a very successful second season under the leadership of coaches Robert Futch and Stephen Burr. The u15 Highlanders followed up a second place finish in 2009 with a second place 2010 regular season record of 4-1. This past weekend found the u15 Highlanders competing in the inaugural Carolina Cup against other u15 sides from North Carolina and Virginia. This invitational tournament, hosted on the pristine Raleigh Rugby grounds, marked a milestone day in youth rugby. The goal of the tournament was to expose younger players to a high level of competition within the unique rugby culture and ethos. The event was a smashing success for all involved. The lads put in some barn burner match performances throughout the afternoon. The u15 Highlanders played spirited rugby over three hotly contested matches to finish fourth in the tournament. The u15 Highlanders are the cornerstone of the entire club's future. Three Cheers!!!!

May 10, 2010: The Highlanders won their 5th Straight State Championship at the Raleigh Rugby Complex - avenging a tough early season loss to VC Gold. In perfect conditions, with Carolina skies overhead and the immaculate Raleigh rugby ground under foot, the Highlanders applied consistent pressure in defense and attack. This sustained effort led to several quick strike tries in the second half that diffused a VC Gold comeback bid. Once again, there was a great crowd of supporters, including Highlander alumni, to take in the Grand Final. Congratulations and sincere thanks to Raleigh Rugby Club and Carolina Youth Rugby (CYR) for hosting such a professional event. Hearty congratulations go to VC Gold for their great season and run to the final. Lastly, three cheers to the Highlander seniors to celebrate their championship journey. The lads stated their goal to achieve this result in June 2009. They worked, they led, and they enjoyed the pursuit of that goal. Once a Highlander -- Always a Highlander!

May 3, 2010: The Highlanders secured a NC u19 Club Grand Final spot with a hard fought win over the Union County Lions on a blistering Sunday afternoon at home at Cedar Falls Park. With temperatures reaching the mid-90s compounded by a strange humidity for early May, the Highlanders played sensational rugby in the first half to take a commanding lead. As is their heritage, Union County did not wilt under the heat. Rather they pressed the Highlanders to the end with their possession and attack game. Three cheers to every rugby player on the pitch under the intense weather conditions. You honor the game with your skill and spirit. Next up for the Highlanders is a chance for redemption against VC Gold in the Grand Final at the Raleigh Rugby Complex on 5/8 - 2:30pm.

April 26, 2010: The Highlanders return to Chapel Hill as the number 2 u19 club side in the South. The lads put up a spirited defense of their 2009 South Regional Title before ceding that title to a high quality Alpharetta (GA) club side. The Highlanders pushed through to the Grand Final with quality victories over the Chapin Eagles (SC) and Spring Valley (SC). As with all rugby tournaments & tours, these endeavors are far more than the results on the paddock. The Highlander community - players, coaches, parents, friends, and siblings traveled strong and celebrated the Highlander experience. A return trip to Nationals is not in the cards, but the lads played a sensational style of rugby to be very proud of - AND - joined those that mean most to them for another fine tour. Check out this blog (http://highlandersblog2010.blogspot.com/) for the total experience.

April 22, 2010: The Highlanders earned a South Regional spot with an outstanding performance versus a high quality Triad Bulldog side. The season to date has been odd in its early season match cancellations - impacting the timing of regional qualification. Early in the day, flashes of rain and thunder made for some anxious moments in the Highlander community. A weather cancellation yesterday would have doomed the Highlanders' last chance to qualify for South Regionals. However, at 4pm, the skies over Chapel Hill became Carolina Blue and the home side found its chance to play terrific rugby. This Regional tour marks the fourth trip for the Highlanders, third consecutive and gives the lads the chance to defend their 2009 title against great competition. All the best down South lads!

April 19, 2010: The Highlanders return from Charlotte with a hard fought 24 - 24 draw with long-time rival Union County Lions. The draw result creates a one match opportunity for the Highlanders to win a South Regional spot. The Highlanders face a very good Triad Bulldog side (Greensboro) at home in a rare Wed night match at Cedar Falls Park. Kick-off is a t 6pm. The Highlanders hope to see even more support than the fantastic attendance and atmosphere of the last home match. It's a rugby night in Chapel Hill.

April 12, 2010: Per Carolina Youth Rugby (CYR) the Highlanders vs. Union County Lions match in Charlotte on April 17th will decide which club will earn the right to represent North Carolina at the USA Rugby South Regional Tournament. The South Regional tournament will be hosted in Greenville, SC on the grounds of Furman University (April 24-25). The Highlanders took a tough loss in the final minutes to a fine VC Gold club in the first match of the season. That result left the Highlanders with some ground to make up over the course of the season's schedule. Congratulations to the players for training hard and playing well since that opening match. The Highlanders now control their destiny with the play on the paddock as the decision maker. A win means the Highlanders will have the opportunity to defend their 2009 South Regional Champions title. Good luck lads.

March 15, 2010: Charlotte, NC: The Highlanders honored Paul Maxwell, CYR Development Officer & Union County Lion head coach, for his incredible service to youth rugby in North Carolina. The Highlanders presented Paul with a Highlander signed ball and training jumper in recognition of his energy, passion, and drive in developing rugby in NC. The Highlanders recognize that their existence would clearly be in doubt without his efforts . THANK YOU PAUL and all the best in Texas.

March 15, 2010: The Highlanders return from the Carolina Youth Rugby (CYR) Festival as the Palmetto Division champions. Thirty-six Highlanders played in two matches to help develop the sides overall depth and to build on the lessons of the Wake Forest University High School Showcase. Congratulations to the new players for stepping into key roles in both matches. Once again, thank you to the veteran players for their continued evolution as players, leaders, and mentors to the new players. Both matches were excellent tests for the Highlanders.

March 1, 2010: The Highlanders return from the Wake Forest University High School Showcase featuring top national sides from DC Metro & Pennsylvania. The Highlanders defeated West Shore United (PA) then took two competitive losses from Gonzaga (DC) and Hyde (DC). Two significant benefits will come from the weekend. One, playing national caliber competition and playing well in that environment sets the stage for growth this season. Two, 15 new Highlanders played their first rugby match for the club. Congratulations to the new players that crossed over the threshold to rugby player on the weekend. Special thanks to the veteran players for their amazing talents displayed on the paddock - and off - in their leadership on the first tour of 2010. Very special thanks to all the parents in attendance and in support of the weekend. The club is for all.

February, 22, 2009. The weekend found the Highlanders playing their first matches on their new home field (Cedar Falls Park). On a brilliant sunny day after weeks of winter, the Highlanders trotted out several age-grade sides. The u13 & u15 sides scrimmaged the Triad Bulldogs of Greensboro. The u19 side took a tough league loss to state rival, Vance Carrburus (VC Gold) later in the afternoon. Special thanks to Chapel Hill Parks-n-Rec for their partnership in creating a proper sized rugby field (pitch) in a tremendous setting. Seeing proper rugby posts soaring into the Carolina blue sky is an incredible evolution to Highlander Rugby. Three cheers.

November 10, 2009: The Highlanders hosted the 2010 Player, Recruit & Parents Night. Head Coach Robert Joseph presented to a packed house with u13, u15, u19 players & parents in attendance. Special thanks to volunteer parents; Charlotte & Richard Jordan, Linda Joseph and Becky Van Valkenburgh for their tremendous support. The players and parents took in International & Highlander highlights plus a presentation defining what makes rugby so unique and how the Highlanders attempt to honor that tradition. Snacks & free t-shirts were provided, so all left happy and ready to jump into preparing for Season 2010.

October 20, 2009: The Highlanders announce THREE KEY DATES as the start to prepare for the 2010 Spring Season:

November 7th is the first training session of the season at Emerson Waldorf (10am)
November 10th is the Recruit & Player Night at the Chapel Hill Bible Church (7:30pm)
November 14th is Rugby 101 Training for new & experienced players at Emerson Waldorf (10am)
click here for Schedule

October 17, 2009: The Highlanders just completed a series of essential skills training sessions over the past five weeks. The focus was on Ball Skills 101 & 201 -- Kicking 101 & 201. The 5th session was a wrap-up of all four previous. All Highlander age groups, from u13 to u15 to u19 attended. Thank you to all the lads and parents for taking part.

October 1, 2009: link to article about Cal Rugby featuring Asher Thomas

October 1, 2009: A Giant Awakens is a 52 minute HD sports documentary that explores 130 years of rugby in America. Through the lens of award winning filmmaker Sylvain Doreau, the essence, spirit, and challenges of American rugby are captured at all levels from youth to the USA Men's National Team. This documentary takes you on a journey from Olympic glory in the 1920's, to rugby's 50 year hibernation in the US, to the USA Eagles capturing the hearts of all rugby fans at the 2007 World Cup in France.

June 15, 2009: Buoyed by five Highlanders on the u19s and nine Highlanders on the u17s, the Carolina All-Stars won the 2009 South All-Star Challenge in Charlotte, NC this past weekend. All-Star sides from Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida were a terrific test playing very good rugby. Still, the u19 Carolina All-Stars ran their 2008-2009 record to 10-0. The u17 Carolina All-Stars played well but took their first ever loss against a tough FL side. Congratulations to all North Carolina players in the side, you continue to impress and deserve the rewards.

May 16, 2009: The Highlanders finish 7th at the USA Rugby National High School Club Championships and become the first team from the South Region to win a match at nationals. The Highlanders faced Highland of Utah (19 time National Champion) losing 15-31, with the 15 points a source of great pride given the incredible talent and rugby acumen of the nation's best program for the past 34 years.

May 9th 2009: Highlanders defeat Charlotte Catholic, the NC single HS State Champions and USA Rugby South HS Champions, 27-7 to win the North Carolina Youth Rugby State Championship. This victory establishes the Highlanders as the No.1 HS/U19 Rugby team in the South.

May 2nd 2009: Highlanders defeat VC Gold in tight final to win North Carolina U19 Club Championship

April 26th 2009: Highlanders win 2009 USA Rugby South U19 Championships - the first NC club to do so.

Feb 21st 2009 : U15s against Triad at 9.30 am. The B side play Triad in the league (10.30 am) and the A side play Union County Lions (12 noon) at Oka T Hester Park in Greensboro

Feb 14th 2009 : Highlanders A vs B in first league game of season. 9.30 am at UNC Eringhaus field. A side win 35-0.
Feb 7th 2009 : Highlanders win a pair of pre-season scrimmages against Raleigh (36-5) and Wilmington (27-5)

Jan 31st 2009 : Highlanders win pre-season scrimmage against Triad Bulldogs by 24-5. click here for match report.

Sept. 27th 2008 : Highlanders annnounce junior rugby clinics - click here for details. Registration form

Aug 31st 2008: Sunday touch rugby restarts - 1pm at Cedar Falls

Aug 14th 2008 : 2008 highlight video released

July 2008 : All Stars set to play in Charleston Aug 9th