ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT
The BIG E Memorial Invitational is held in honor of Erik “Big E” Elken, a brother and player in our rugby community who passed away in November after a battle with sarcoma.
​
​
In Erik’s memory, the University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby Team is partnering directly with a Sarcoma Foundation of the Elken family's choice as well as Erik's Youth Rugby Club to raise funds and awareness throughout the event. Our goal is to build a competitive, high-level rugby tournament that also serves a meaningful cause and leaves a lasting impact beyond the pitch.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Saturday, March 26th, 2026
Date
Location
TBD
(Update to come)
Sanctioning
NCR Registered 7s Tournament
Bracket Format
10 Team Premier
8 Team Developemental
Match Length
14 Minute Matches
( 2-min halftime)
Officials
Collegiate Certified Referees
Medical
On-site Athletic Trainers
Additional
Food Trucks & Event Vendors
DIVISIONS & FORMAT
Premier Side 7s
NCR Registered Tournament
​
-
8–10 total teams
-
Two pooled format
-
Additional 3rd & 5th place matches
-
NCR-certified referees
​
$300
Developemental 7s
Optional Add-On
​
-
4–8 total teams
-
Two pooled tournament
-
Knockout-style play
-
NCR-certified referees
​
$150
Exhibition XV
Optional for Larger Squads
​
-
Fifteens (XV) exhibition match
-
Gamecocks vs invited teams
-
Played around 7s schedule
​
Free
REGISTRATION
WHATS INCLUDED
NCR Registered Tournament
​
-
Guaranteed matches
-
NCR registration
-
Certified referees
-
Athletic trainers
-
Professional tournament operations
-
Competitive & developmental options
​
REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Spots are limited and confirmed on a first-come basis.
For questions contact: executive@uscrugby.net
PLAYING FOR MORE THAN A TROPHY
Honoring Erik “Big E” Elken Through Impact Beyond the Pitch
​
The BIG E Memorial Invitational is about more than competition.
​
This tournament is held in honor of Erik “Big E” Elken, a brother and leader in our rugby community whose passion for the game extended far beyond the college level. In Erik’s memory, proceeds from the BIG E Memorial Invitational will directly support two causes that reflect both his fight and his legacy.
​
A portion of event proceeds will be donated to a Sarcoma Foundation to be chosen by Erik's family, helping fund research, awareness, and support for those currently battling the disease.
​
In addition, we are proud to support the Conestoga Youth Rugby Club, the middle school rugby program Erik founded. This donation will help ensure young players continue to have access to the game, mentorship, and the values of teamwork, resilience, and brotherhood that Erik embodied.
​
Through competition, community, and giving back, the BIG E Memorial Invitational aims to create a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the final whistle.
VENUE & TRAVEL INFORMATION
VENUE
TBD
(Update to come)
Columbia, SC 29205
Parking & team bus access
​
TRAVEL
AIRPORT & HOTEL INFO COMING SOON​
​
Please arrive at the tournament at least 1 hour prior to the start of the tournament.