Clemson men’s club rugby season kicks off on Sept. 17, and with a loaded roster and the ambition of an underdog program, the team has great optimism.  

After finishing second in the Southern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) Championship, the Tigers are aiming to take the championship title in a redemption arc.  

Powerhouses of the team include starting forward Cole Fran and starting back Cole Rinklin.  

After retaining much of the team’s roster from last year, the team is fit with experience and stamina.  

Jackson Campeau, a sophomore prop, says he and his teammates are “itching to get out there and make some noise in the SCRC.”  

“Going up to New York to play Iona, a top-ranked program, will not be easy, but I am confident in the capability and dedication of my teammates,” Campeau said. 

Campeau added that he hopes to improve his on-field communication, as he knows teamwork and being on the same page will help the team continue to win games.  

Clemson has a 40-man roster led by head coach Troy Hall.  

According to DNVR Sports, Hall is a New Zealand native who played with the New York Athletic Club and the United States National team.  

Prior to Clemson, Hall was the head coach of the rugby team at Oregon State University. 

The Tigers will have six regular season games, followed by an SCRC playoff match come November. With three home games against LSU, UGA and Alabama, fans can watch at the National Athletic Village Field at The Pier at Clemson.