LAFAYETTE, CO- USA Rugby has selected The Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews, in Charlotte, NC at the site for the 2019 Spring College National Championship Series.

The Spring Championships will be played on the weekend of May 3, with the preceding play-in rounds will be played the weekend of April 19 at East Carolina University and Chico State University, with further locations to be announced shortly.

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“Returning to the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews was an easy decision for us,” said James Wilber, Senior Events Manager, Competitions at USA Rugby. “The Sportsplex is a first-class facility, with an incredibly professional staff and we feel fortunate to be returning there once again.”

“Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with USA Rugby and Visit Charlotte again to host another Championship,” noted Preston Buckman, Facility Manager II for the Sportsplex @ Matthews. “The 2018 Fall Championships were a huge success and we expect nothing less from the 2019 Spring Championships.  We look forward to putting on another great event for these athletes and their fans.” 

As part of their commitment to supporting rugby in the Charlotte area, Visit Charlotte in association with USA Rugby will donate to the Charlotte Royals’ and their efforts to restore an old middle school football field, and turn it into a refurbished rugby specific pitch. The Royals are working with Charlotte Youth Rugby on this project and hope that through it they will be able to increase youth participation throughout the area.

The Sportsplex @Matthews isn’t the only returning venue for the Spring series, as East Carolina University will return as a host during the play-in rounds. Joining them in hosting the play in rounds will be Chico State and the Greater Little Rock Rugby Complex. ECU will play host to teams from all three divisions; while Chico State and Greater Little Rock Rugby complex will only host four teams each. Chico State will host Men’s D1AA teams, and Greater Little Rock Rugby Complex will host Women’s D2 squads. The remaining locations for the play-in rounds are set to be finalized shortly.