Good start

Photo by Tiana Mandukich

South Carolina men’s rugby defeated Coastal Carolina teams 28-10 and 51-5 to launch the Fall 2025 campaign.

Traveling with a squad of more than sixty players, the Gamecocks entered the contest with a goal of getting everyone playing time in this pre-season contest against a solid Division II team.

Played in Conway, flanker Gavin Curran scored the first try for USC at the two-minute mark. Fellow loose forward Carter Saleeby added trys at 8:50 and 34:00 to stake the Gamecocks to a 21-0 halftime lead after three successful conversions by Charlie Dwyer.

At the break the Gamecocks worked in A-side reserves. Flanker Pierson Braddock and scrumhalf Mason Carter found the try zone in the second half to make the final score 28-10.

In the second game, USC’s B- and C-sides combined to outscore the Chanticleers 51-5 during 70 minutes of play. Freshman Thomas Regan and Chance Conolly led the Gamecocks with two trys each. Charlie Murphy, Nick Irvine, Anthony Blachman, Stergos Trintis, Ryan Feilke and Abram Keener also found the try zone.

For the most part, the A-side played structured rugby. But a high penalty count and average line-out play kept the offense from humming, said Coach John Roberts.

The Gamecock reserves fairly dominated all phases of play and kept the Coastal reserves on their backfoot for the entire contest.

“We have a very deep bench, and that should help us as we move into the meat of our schedule,” said Roberts. “Many thank to Coastal for hosting us. They have a very athletic and well-coached team. And we wish them success going forward.”