Celebrating our past

The 1973 team at the Charleston Navy Shipyard in February after the squad's 14-11 win over the HMS Bulwark team.

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In 1973, the admiral of the HMS Bulwark (a British Royal Naval Ship docked in Charleston, SC) wanted to find a game for his ship’s rugby team. But not any team would do, he wanted to play one of the very best U.S. teams on the East Coast.

Through a series of calls, he was connected to the University of South Carolina men’s rugby club, which was only 5 years old, but had developed a hardy reputation as a physical and successful rugby team. The club traveled to Charleston in January and shocked the British team which expected a walkover. The score was 14-11.

The ship was scheduled to depart a few days after the loss. The Brits, though, wanted another shot. The admiral’s proposition to the Gamecocks: We’ll keep the Bulwark docked in Charleston a week longer if you’ll give us a rematch. And we’ll come to Columbia. The rematch took place February 10 on campus and the British seamen lost again, 16-6.

By most accounts, the contests were the first-ever international rugby contest held on South Carolina soil.

On April 20, the University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby Club will induct three members into the organization’s inaugural Hall of Fame class. These three inductees, Matt Godek, the late Jim Wynn, and Sandy Frazier, were early leaders of our club. And they all laid the groundwork for success in those Bulwark games and beyond.

USC rugby was founded in 1967. Our program has a storied history of championships and winning seasons. But the 1972-73 team stands alone as the best. During that season, the Gamecocks compiled a 20-3-1 record and finished ranked 5th in nation.

South Carolina Rugby will open a new chapter April 20 as we induct our inaugural hall of fame class and honor members of the 1973 team. During this ceremony we will also present our 2023-24 player awards and celebrate our graduating seniors. Alumni, parents, players and friends are invited to attend this special event. You may register on our events page.