Our magnificent seven

The Carolina Rugby Foundation is proud to announce the induction of seven distinguished members into the South Carolina Men’s Rugby Hall of Fame on April 18.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Class features Burke Hayes, Andy Gallin, Jean Pierre Chambas, Howard Hunt, Geoff Mason, Mark Morris, and Steve Darnell. Hayes and Gallin were standout players during the 1970s, while Chambas, Hunt, Mason, Morris, and Darnell have shaped generations of Gamecock Rugby through decades of dedicated volunteer coaching.

The inductees were selected by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee and approved by the Carolina Rugby Foundation Board of Directors last month.

“We are thrilled to welcome Burke, Andy, and our outstanding volunteer coaches into the Hall of Fame,” said Phil Harris, chair of the selection committee. “Their impact on our program is immeasurable, and this class represents the very best of Gamecock Rugby’s tradition and legacy.”

The celebration will take place at the Gamecock Rugby Hall of Fame Gala at 701 Whaley, a premier venue offering expanded seating for this fast-growing annual event. In addition to honoring the Hall of Fame inductees, the evening will recognize graduating seniors and celebrate the season with player awards.

In the weeks leading up to the gala, individual profiles of each inductee will be shared on the Foundation’s website and Gamecock Rugby social media channels.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Gala, scheduled for April 18 from 6–10 p.m., are now available through the Foundation’s events page.