Charleston Hurricanes RFC

Founded in 2001, the Charleston Hurricanes have been an active part of the rugby scene in South Carolina. In the early 2000s, the team included players from around the Southeast to help field a full fifteen on the pitch. It is due to this collaboration and dedication that the team was so successful and "Fifteen as One" was added to the crest.

Why the flamingos? In 2004, a few years after the team was formed, one player introduced a brilliant recruiting tool from a previous club: the flabongo. What better way to pique others' interest than a fun group of teammates drinking from a bright pink flamingo! And thus, Felicia the Flamingo was born. The design was added to the crest to honor the work and dedication members on the team had to growing the sport in the south.

In 2018, the Charleston Hurricanes became the first independent women's rugby club to join the IGR (International Gay Rugby.) We are proud to be part of this organization and strive to create an accepting and tolerant culture on and off the pitch. For more information about the IGR's history and where we fall on the timeline, check out their site.

History

Today

The Hurricanes' mission remains the same as when the club was first formed: to promote rugby in the south, increase women’s participation in the sport and represent the city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Today, the team is part of the Carolina's Geographic Rugby Union (CGRU). This includes teams from North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Celebrating 20 years, the Charleston Hurricanes, combined with the Augusta Furies, are the current CGRU Division II champions. Led by coach Maddy Clark and captains Veronica Hill and LeAnne Hudson, the team was undefeated in the 2021-22 matrix season. This accomplishment led us to face Fear the Maniacs in Lugoff, SC to win the title.

We are currently in 15s season. For information related to practice, check out our Home page. In the Fall and Spring, we practice at Danny Jones Field in North Charleston (subject to change.) Home matches are typically held at Dolphin Cove Marina, one of our amazing sponsors!

Coaches and Captains

Maddy Clark

Coach

With over a decade of rugby knowledge under her belt, we are grateful to have Maddy's exceptional leadership and guidance. After playing for UNC Charlotte, Maddy was a key component in Charlotte Women's Rugby and helped them cinch the 2018 Women's DII National Championship. This will be Maddy's second year as coach of the Hurricanes and we could not be more excited to see what's in store.

LeAnne Hudson

Backs Captain

After joining the rugby community in high school, LeAnne founded Coastal Carolina University Women's Rugby. In 2018, she help lead the team to the collegiate DII Nationals, where they placed 8th. LeAnne brings that same dedication and drive to the Hurricanes, working to build and improve her own skills as well as others.'

Veronica Hill

Forwards Captain

Veronica's commitment to the Hurricanes on and off the pitch has been essential to the team's growth and success. Originally joining the Hurricanes in 2015, we were thrilled to see her back in Charleston for the 2021-22 season. Veronica brings the experience that comes from playing with different clubs across the country, and uses it to highlight the team's strengths.