Statement from the Carolina Rugby Foundation and John Roberts

On Wednesday, July 1, the student executive committee (team officers) of the South Carolina Men's Rugby Club notified alumni and Head Coach John Roberts that they had terminated his position.

The team officers have effectively adopted a governance model in which they are empowered to make all financial, coaching, scheduling and operational decisions without input from the Carolina Rugby Foundation—an alumni organization that has raised approximately $1.5 million in planned and direct gifts to support the program over the past four years. These funds, many of them monthly gifts, have been expended over the years to support scholarships, coaching salaries and stipends, fundraising events, team travel and equipment.

This decision was made without consultation with the Foundation or the broader parent, player and alumni community. Coach Roberts, who has been affiliated with our program for nearly 40 years, was informed of his dismissal by email rather than through a phone call or in-person meeting. At the same time, the student executive committee distributed an email announcing the decision to donors and alumni, meaning many learned of the news before Coach Roberts did.

Both the decision and the manner in which it was carried out have deeply disappointed our coaches, many parents, and our alumni. In response, every member of the Carolina Rugby Foundation Board has paused donations to the Carolina Rugby Fund, and many South Carolina rugby alumni have chosen to do the same. The actions by the student executive committee harm our club’s reputation and will have a negative impact on recruiting and current and future scholarship offerings.

Coach Roberts has been far more than a head coach. He is a University of South Carolina rugby alumnus, the program's primary fundraiser, and its chief communications leader. Coach Roberts' impact on this program has been transformative. During his leadership, the Foundation, parents and the South Carolina Men's Rugby Club have:

• Increased annual donor participation from 12 supporters to more than 250.

• Expanded rugby scholarships from 12 to 50, creating approximately $500,000 incremental annual net tuition savings for student-athletes and their families.

• Won three SCRC 7s championships and finished as runner-up twice.

• Increased the club's annual operating budget from $50,000 to $350,000.

• Produced 34 National Collegiate Rugby Scholastic All-Americans—more than any collegiate rugby program in the nation.

• Elevated recruiting, including attracting international players to USC. This year’s recruiting class, which includes players from Scotland, England, South Africa and the West Coast, is the strongest class ever.

• Established the With You Weekend and Hall of Fame events, which now attract approximately 300 attendees each year.

• Relaunched the program's website and developed a best-in-class communications strategy.

• Guided the program to its first national championship appearance, making Coach Roberts the only college rugby coach to lead teams to Division III, Division II, and Division I-AA national championship games.

While the Foundation strongly disagrees with the student executive committee's decision, our commitment to the South Carolina Men's Rugby program remains unwavering. Until late this spring, the partnership between the Foundation and past student leadership teams has been collaborative and productive.

But clearly, we have lost trust with the current student leadership team.

The Foundation is pausing planning for our Fall With You Weekend, which includes the annual alumni game. Since the student executive committee has assumed all operations and scheduling duties, we direct all of your questions to them at executive@gamecockrugby.com.

We remain hopeful that, in time, this relationship can be repaired and rebuilt in the best interests of the student-athletes and the future of Carolina Rugby.

Phil Harris ’08 (chairman)

Grant Howard ’24 (vice chair)

Chris Murphy ’91 (sergeant at arms)

Bill Rhoden ’91 (treasurer)

Wyatt Shepherd ’93 (secretary) 

Statement from Coach Roberts

Thank you to the many alumni and current and former players and parents who have reached out to me over the past few days. Your continuing support has been uplifting. It has been an honor to serve as head coach at my alma mater. Thanks to the coaches, board members, parents, volunteers and players who have partnered with me to elevate and transform USC rugby. I depart knowing that Gamecock rugby and the Carolina Rugby Foundation are stronger because of our collective work. Lastly, I would like to express my enduring appreciation to Jeff Smolka. No one has given more of their time and treasure to our club than he.