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Practice is open for any U of M students (or Southwest Tennessee Community College students) interested in a great time playing the best sport ever. Practice is located at Memorial Field on the main campus of the University of Memphis. (Memorial Field is north of the Elma Roane Field House at 451 Zach Curlin Street, Memphis, Tennessee). (Check the practice button for practice updates.)
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Dear friends, family, and rugby community,
We did it again! Your Tigers are on a roll and are headed to the 7s National Championships in Boyd Maryland from April 25th-28th. We need your help to make our dreams come true.
I am reaching out to you on behalf of this incredible group of dedicated student-athletes who have completed the 7s regular season with an SCRC Conference Championship including wins over Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn, Missouri, TN Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Kennesaw State, Washington University, Houston, and Troy State.
This is our third consecutive SCRC 7s championship and our third trip to 7s Nationals. The Tigers finished 4th in the nation last year and look to improve on that ranking this year. This is a momentous occasion for our team, and we need your support to make this dream a reality.
The players have demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the season, earning their spot in a field of the sixteen best DII college 7s teams in the country. This is an incredible achievement for our student-athletes, and we are eager to see them showcase their talents on the national stage again.
However, the cost of travel, accommodation, and other associated expenses can be significant, and that’s where we need your help. Post season costs are $15,000. To raise the funds, we have set up this GoFundMe campaign to ensure that every member of our 7s team can make the trip to Maryland without excessive financial burden. Your contribution will directly support the players, covering expenses such as transportation, lodging, meals, and tournament fees.
As a club sport, the University provides us with practice facilities and just $1,000 per year in funding. The players pay $550/year to play rugby which covers about half of our regular season costs the rest comes from the generous support of our alumni, sponsors, fans, friends and family.
Here’s how you can help:
Make a Donation through GoFundMe: Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our goal. Your support will not only help our athletes attend the tournament but also show them that their hard work is recognized and appreciated.
Share our Campaign: Spread the word! Share this GoFundMe campaign on social media, email, and any other platforms to reach a wider audience. The more people who know about our cause, the closer we get to achieving our goal.
Encourage Others to Contribute: If you have friends, family, or colleagues who share a passion for rugby or supporting student-athletes, encourage them to join our cause.
We believe that with your generosity, Tiger Rugby can continue to excel both on and off the field. Your support goes beyond financial contributions; it sends a powerful message to these young student-athletes that their hard work and dedication are valued by their community.
Thank you for being a crucial part of our team’s journey. Let’s come together and make this opportunity a reality for these deserving student-athletes. Go-Tigers-Go!
Sincerely,
Phil Beck
Tiger 7s Head Coach
-All donations will go to the Tiger Rugby Foundation, a 501(c)3. Your donations are tax deductible. You can Donate here.
By Coach Phil Beck
April 6, 024 – Knoxville, TN – The SCRC Championships saw Memphis Rugby once again assert its dominance, clinching the title for the third consecutive year. Let’s dive into the thrilling matches that showcased Memphis’s skill and resilience.
Memphis vs. Mississippi State
Originally slated to face Mississippi State, Memphis found themselves up against a Tennessee B team due to Mississippi State’s withdrawal. Despite the change, Memphis swiftly took control. Christian kicked off with a try, followed by two more from Joaquin and Caleb, with Darius converting one. Halftime arrived with Memphis comfortably leading 19-0. Although Tennessee managed to sneak in a try, Memphis responded with two more from Caleb and one from Ace, securing a convincing 36-5 victory.
Memphis vs. Ole Miss
Facing a determined Ole Miss team, Memphis encountered a tougher challenge. Both sides traded tries in the first half, leveling the score at 5-5. Ole Miss surged ahead, leading 10-5, but Memphis rallied, equalizing the score at 10-10. With Memphis’s superior fitness shining through, Caleb sealed the win with his third try, ending the match 15-10 in Memphis’s favor.
Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech
The final showdown against Tennessee Tech proved to be a grueling battle. Tennessee Tech’s formidable players dominated the first half, leading 10-7. However, Memphis fought back, with Christian’s crucial try and Caleb’s conversion giving them a narrow lead. In the second half, Memphis regained their momentum, showcasing their trademark ball movement. Caleb’s hat trick of tries, along with two conversions, solidified Memphis’s victory at 26-10.
With only three teams in the D2 category and Tennessee Tech defeating Ole Miss, the Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech clash became the de facto Division 2 title match. Memphis emerged triumphant, securing their third consecutive SCRC Sevens Championships title.
Memphis Rugby’s stellar performance reaffirmed their status as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate rugby, marking yet another chapter of success in their illustrious history.
Now… we are off to Nationals. Stay tuned.
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give move the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store. We are now getting $1000 per year from Kroger. Help us double that by getting everyone you know to participate.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
In the realm of collegiate rugby, recognition is the hallmark of exceptional talent and dedication. The Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) annually bestows the prestigious title of “All Conference” upon standout players, acknowledging their prowess and contributions to the sport. In 2023, the Memphis Tigers proudly stand in the spotlight, as several of our own athletes have earned this esteemed distinction.
It is with immense pride and joy that we announce the names of our remarkable players who have been honored as All SCRC Conference players: Sehrab Bagha, Musa Banat, Conor Dempsey, Harry Hagan, Caleb Schmidt, and Jalen McKenzie. These individuals have exemplified the spirit of excellence, demonstrating unparalleled skill, dedication, and sportsmanship on the field throughout the 2023 15s season.
Furthermore, the accolades continue to pour in as National Collegiate Rugby recognizes the brightest talents across the nation. Amongst the elite ranks of the All-American Team, three outstanding representatives from the Memphis Tigers have been rightfully chosen: Musa Banat, Conor Dempsey, and Sehrab Bagha. Their selection as national All-Americans is a testament to their exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to the sport.
These accolades are not merely tokens of recognition; they are symbols of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Each player has earned their moment in the sun through countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to their craft.
As a university and as a community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sehrab Bagha, Musa Banat, Conor Dempsey, Jalen McKenzie, Harry Hagan and Caleb Schmidt for their outstanding achievements. Their success on the rugby field brings honor to the Memphis Tigers and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
Let us celebrate their triumphs and continue to support them as they write the next chapter of their remarkable journey in the world of rugby. Go Tigers Go!
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give move the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store. We are now getting $1000 per year from Kroger. Help us double that by getting everyone you know to participate.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
February 15, 2024 – In a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, Tiger head coach Dave Hill has been bestowed with the esteemed title of Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) D2 Coach of the Year for his remarkable contributions to the Tigers’ success in 2023.
Throughout the season, Dave’s strategic prowess guided both the spring 7s and 15s teams to impressive postseason performances. Notably, the 15s team remained undefeated, showcasing Dave’s adept coaching skills as they progressed to the national championship game, where they narrowly fell to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Dave’s expertise was further highlighted by his adept assembly of a coaching dream team, featuring the likes of Phil Beck and Bryan Colbridge. Notably, he even enlisted the legendary Tony Brooks out of retirement to fine-tune the tight five, solidifying the team’s foundation.
With a background as a Navy captain, navigating ships through blue waters, Dave brings a wealth of experience in team development and motivation, seamlessly merging his naval insights with his deep understanding of rugby. Under his guidance, the Tigers have risen to unprecedented heights, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant force in Memphis Rugby history.
Recognizing the importance of facing formidable opponents, Dave consistently seeks out challenging competitions beyond the SCRC division, pushing his players to new heights. Recently, at the Bluff City 7s Challenge, the Tigers triumphed over three D1 teams (Missouri, LSU and Alabama) clinching top honors in the tournament and further cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Having once donned the Tigers jersey himself where he was team captain from 1987-1991. Dave is deeply revered by his fellow players, who admire his strong integrity and unwavering commitment to character development. He firmly believes that cultivating better individuals translates to superior team performance, instilling invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the rugby field. Dave is greatly appreciated by his past players and even is regularly in contact his past Brighton HS players that he mentored.
In his characteristically humble manner, Dave graciously accepted the Coach of the Year accolade, attributing much of the success to his invaluable collaborators, Phil Beck and Bryan Colbridge. Their collective efforts have fortified the Tigers’ attack and defense and elevated the team to new heights in the 2023 15s season.
As the Tiger’s journey continues, guided by Dave’s exemplary leadership, there’s no doubt that they will continue to leave an indelible mark on our Tiger Rugby world, embodying the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and excellence.
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give advance the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store. We are getting about $1000 per year from Kroger. Please help make that donation grow by linking your Kroger Card.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
February 10, 2024 Birmingham, AL – Memphis A&B played in the Birmingham 7s tournament with mixed results. Coach Phil Beck commented, “the lads are shaking of their 15’s style of play. Each match they get better, but it has taken a little time to transition. I’m confident that we’ll be right by Conference 7s.
Coach Beck further mentioned, “With the loss of Conner who graduated last year, we are looking for someone to control the offense. Several players are contenders. We’ll see how things shake out.”
Here’s how the lads performed.
Birmingham 7s
A 43-0 over Ole Miss
A lost to Bama 17-24
A beat Auburn 22-10
A lost to Bama 33-0 in Final
2nd place in 1st Division
B won 45-0 over UAH
B won 22-10 over Auburn B
B won 34-10 over Troy
1st place in 2nd Division
Next up, the Dixie 7s at Alabama.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give move the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
The Tiger Rugby Team had the best season ever in the history of Tiger Rugby. We won our conference, won the Midwest Regional National Collegiate Rugby Regional and came in Runner Up in the nation. Along the way the entire team was amazing, but some of your Tigers were singled out for special recognition.
A dinner was held on January 22 and the following Tigers received special recognition. Coach Hill presented the athletic awards.
Honors not pictured
Rugby Ethos – Musa Banat
Most Improved Forward – Kennedy Bonner
Co-Captain Crystal – Conor Dempsey
Also, we had two graduates who were honored with a graduation mug – Musa Banat and Emilio Salazar. Graduation mugs are coveted items and only graduates get one. Well done lads.
We had the best coaching crew that was in the southeastern United States if not the entire US. Coach Dave Hill as head coach organized the team and made them a fighting unit. Phil Beck led the backs and offense, Bryan Colbridge led the defense and forwards. Tony Brooks pitched in with technical help for the tight five. We are very blessed with this coaching crew and owe them a great debt of gratitude. These four men were amazing collaborators and their cohesion help the team gel in to a solid unit. Thank you gentlemen.
Eric Remscheid, cooked for our home games which gave us the best home game experience in our conference and saved us lots of money. Thanks Eric.
Dat Hoang took care of the social media for the Tigers this year and also was out staff photographer. Messaging is everything in fund raising and Dat did a wonderful job this year. Thanks Dat.
Importantly, Liz Schmidt and Diana Toy organized the awards dinner. We are very grateful for their willing assistance at this important event.
We are very grateful for all of the parents, fans, and supporters who pitched in physically and financially to make this season a huge success. We were able to raise and additional $23,000 for our post season run, and that came from everyone pitching in to make it happen. Thanks to everyone who shared, dug deep and got it done!
December 10, 2023 – Houston, Texas – In a heart-stopping championship clash, the Memphis Tiger rugby team faced off against the formidable Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) team. Although the Tigers fought valiantly, the championship title ultimately slipped through their grasp in an intense display of collegiate rugby talent.
From the kickoff, the Tigers found themselves facing a 20-30 MPH headwind, creating an immediate challenge. Despite this, Conor Dempsy’s spectacular try at the 11-minute mark set the tone for the game. Conor’s subsequent score on a grubber through the defense, coupled with a precise conversion, gave the Tigers a commendable 12-0 lead. However, IUP responded with two tries, and the first half concluded with a tense 12-12 tie.
Around halftime, the Tigers encountered setbacks with the loss of Jason Roman to a shoulder injury and Conor Dempsy to a knee injury. These injuries would prove to be significant hurdles for the team through the second half.
Tyler Rogers showcased impressive footwork, securing another try at 5 minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, the Tigers faced adversity with yellow cards for Tyler and Harry, reducing them to 13 players for a crucial 10 minute period. IUP capitalized on this opportunity, scoring twice to take the lead at 22-19. Despite relentless efforts from the Tigers, they were unable to mount a successful comeback.
In a testament to their tenacity, the Tigers continued to attack until the final whistle. However, IUP managed to score once more at the 68th minute, sealing the victory with a final score of 27-19. The Tigers left everything on the field, earning the respect and admiration of IUP, who praised them as the best team faced all year.
Throughout the championship run, the Tigers felt the unwavering support of their families, fans, and supporters. Many attended the game, while thousands watched the intense battle on The Rugby Network. (You can still watch the game here on The Rugby Network.)
Grateful for the outpouring of support, the team expressed their appreciation for the donations received, totaling $23,000 on GoFundMe and additional contributions via TigerRugby.org. Fans who missed the opportunity to contribute are still encouraged to donate to the program, supporting the scholarship fund, endowment fund, or funding the upcoming spring 7s season.
The Memphis Tiger rugby team may not have secured the championship title, but their determination, skill, and sportsmanship left an indelible mark on the competition. As they regroup and prepare for future endeavors, the Tigers carry with them the pride of their remarkable journey and the gratitude for the steadfast support of their community.
Fans and supporters can continue to support Tiger Rugby by donating extra toour Go Fund Me hereor can give through our Donation page here.Donations may be specified such as for the scholarship fund, general fund or endowment fund.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give move the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
In a heart-pounding rugby clash, the Memphis Tiger Rugby Team faced off against the University of Northern Iowa Panthers in a National Championship semifinal match that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. With standout performances and a rollercoaster of emotions, this game proved to be a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams.
First Half Drama:
The match started with a bang as Caleb Schmidt scored at the 1:38 mark into the first half, followed by a successful conversion from Conor Dempsey, giving the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. However, the Panthers roared back, scoring three tries in succession and converting two, taking the lead to 19-7. A severe hip injury on the field prompted a 15-minute stoppage, during which the Tigers regrouped.
Tigers’ Resurgence:
Rejuvenated and refocused, the Tigers fought back in the latter part of the first half. Harry Hagan’s try in the 27th minute set the tone for the comeback, and Alejandro Nava’s score at the 30th minute, converted by Conor, narrowed the gap to 21-19. Caleb Schmidt added another try at the 34th minute, but the Panthers managed a late equalizer, leaving the first half tied at 26 each.
Second Half Action:
The Panthers struck first in the 44th minute, taking the lead to 31-26. The Tigers, however, were not to be outdone. Captain Sehrab Bagha’s crucial try in the 52nd minute, coupled with Conor’s conversion, swung the momentum back in favor of the Tigers. Musa Banat rumbled over several players for a try at the 65th minute, and Christian Flynn’s score in the 68th minute extended the Tigers’ lead to 43-34.
Final Moments:
The Panthers, refusing to capitulate, staged a last-ditch effort with a try in the 76th minute, narrowing the score to 43-39. The tension was palpable as the Tigers defended their goal with unwavering determination. In the dying moments, an errant pass found touch, signaling the end of the match and cementing the Tigers’ well-deserved victory.
The Road to the National Championship:
Now, the Tigers stand at the threshold of glory as they prepare for the National Championship match against the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) scheduled for Sunday, December 10, at 2:00 PM. Excitement is palpable among Tiger fans, with many on-site in Houston to witness the championship clash, and hundreds more tuning in on The Rugby Network. Notably, Tiger alum Kevin Roedel is gearing up for a grand watch party at Celtic Crossing, extending an invitation to all Tiger fans in Memphis to join the festivities, watch the match, and collectively cheer the Tigers to victory.
Conclusion:
As the dust settled on the battlefield against the UNI Panthers, the Memphis Tiger Rugby Team now faces their next formidable challenge—the National Championship. The journey has been arduous, marked by highs and lows, but the Tigers’ resilience and indomitable spirit have brought them to the cusp of glory. The rugby community eagerly awaits the showdown on December 10, and with Tiger fans rallying both on-site and from afar, the roar of victory may well resonate far beyond the field, echoing the triumphs of a team united in purpose and bound for greatness.
We’ve met our Final 4 travel goal, but Tiger Rugby still needs your financial support. We need fiscal stability in our Scholarship and Endowment funds. We also need to prepare for the spring 7s season. Please show the Tigers some love and give what you can.
Fans and supporters can continue to support Tiger Rugby by donating extra toour Go Fund Me hereor can give through our Donation page here.Donations may be specified such as for the scholarship fund, general fund or endowment fund.
Do you have a Kroger Card?If so, Kroger will give the Tigers free money if you sign up and tell them to do so.Here is how you can get free money for the Tigers.Please link your card today. If you don’t have a Kroger card you can get one from for free from any Kroger store.
Tiger Rugby Gearis available at our online store atTytan Rugbyhttps://tytanrugby.com/collections/memphis-rugby
You canfinanciallysupport the Tigersbydonating at this link. We need your help and any dollars you give move the Tigers toward a win. Thanks for anything you can do.
