Charleston Outlaws RFC

Spring Training to Begin! 

Spring Season training will begin this coming Tuesday 7 PM sharp and every Thursday and Tuesday after that, over at Stono Elementary School. All current players are encouraged to attend as well as new players who have recently moved into the Charleston area, plus anyone who is more than curious about this great game of ours. That is all. - Cheers, Taffy! (Directions to Stono)

Posted By: Taffy Greenslade

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Spring Schedule 

The Spring schedule is in so mark your calendars and dust off the old lawn chairs. It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's Rugby Time! Your Charleston Outlaws will be hitting the practice pitch this week to ready themselves for your rugby entertainment. As always, your Outlaws have an eye on the USA Rugby Division II National Tournament, but to get there they'll have to weather the South Eastern Matrix made up of Greenville, Augusta, Cape Fear, and Camp Lejune. This Spring season promises to be competitively brutal and highly entertaining. So set aside your Saturday afternoons to come watch your Charleston Outlaws put on display their own brand of wide-open and aggressive rubgy

Charleston A&B Sides
01/27/2007 - Matrix Match - Away - Greenville Griffins RFC
02/02/2007 - Matrix Match - Home - Augusta Maddogs RFC
02/10/2007 - Matrix Match - Away - Cape Fear RFC
02/24/2007 - Matrix Match - Away - Camp Lejeune Misfits
03/03/2007 - Matrix Match - Home - Greenville Griffins RFC
03/10/2007 - Matrix Match - Away - Augusta Maddogs RFC
03/24/2007 - Matrix Match - Home - Cape Fear RFC
03/31/2007 - Test Match - Away - Raliegh Vipers RFC
04/07/2007 - Matrix Match - Home - Camp Lejeune Misfits

Charleston Olde Boys
03/24/2007 - Olde Boys Match - Home - Southern Pines RFC
03/31/2007 - Olde Boys Match - Away - Raliegh Vipers RFC

Posted By: Webmaster

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Did Someone Mention Rust? 

OK, you would expect us to be a bit rusty after a few months off. I can accept that. But, as any rugby purist out there would agree, if you are up for the fight the rust usually disappears after the first few minutes. Sadly, the rust set-in this past Saturday to such a degree that we became mere passengers on a ride to the junk yard! The good old Greenville Griffins gave the once mighty Outlaws a good old fashioned dose of their own medicine. The score line of 22 points to zero, perhaps flatters the Griffins, but you won't hear this coach calling foul. Put simply on a scale of 1-10 we barely passed 5. ''It's all gloom and doom at Chucktown Central'' I hear you say? Well let me put it to you this way - Augusta comes to town this Saturday after an impressive win against Cape Fear. Another showing of rust? Or a serious case of Outlaw Whoop Ass? Watch this space!

On a much brighter note - the Outlaw B side came out worthy winners 12 points to 10 in a hard fought game. High fives to both Rod and Marcellus for some fierce tackling and to both Tim and Scott for making their first appearances for the club. - Cheers

Posted By: Taffy Greenslade - Head Coach

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Augusta Match @ James Island Pitch 

This Saturday's match between your Charleston Outlaws and the Augusta Maddogs has been set for 1 PM at the James Island Pitch (near James Island County Park). This is a Matrix match and so it should prove to be a hard fought battle which the Outlaws need to win. So come early and find yourself a great spot to watch your Outlaws take on the Maddogs. (Directions to pitch)

Posted By: Webmaster

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Feb. 1st - Tonight's Practice Cancelled! 

Guys - I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THE FIELD IS UNDER WATER - SO WE HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO CANCEL - CHECK EMAILS ON FRIDAY FOR GAME TIME AND DIRECTIONS TO FIELD FOR SATURDAY. That is all.

Posted By: Taffy

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Outlaws Grind out a ''Gutsy'' 28 - 11 Win 

After a poor performance against Greenville a win was the only acceptable result for the Outlaws. With a steely determination and some big hits coming notably from Clarky and Jake, the Outlaws certainly in the second half began to play the type of expansive and smart rugby that was once commonplace in Charleston. Hard running from Grandpa and Leo complimented by some well taken tries by Hughes made the score line perhaps look easier than it was - far from it. Augusta played a hard game and have certainly come a long way from two years ago when they could hardly raise a team. The return match should be a cracker.

The B side ran out victorious to make it a great day for the Outlaws providing us with the perfect platform for our next game away to Cape Fear. Thanks to everyone.

Posted By: Taffy Greenslade - Head Coach

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Offense, Offense and Offensive Defense! 

Somebody call Wyatt Earp and let him know that the shootout is over. The Charleston Outlaws recent trip to Cape Fear was both brilliant and a brilliant defensive failure. The Outlaws came out victorious in a 41-32 seesaw battle which saw seven lead changes and 11 combined tries. It was a great game for the fans as Cape Fear ran their “Hammer Style” offense into the teeth of the Outlaw defense which had no bite. Fortunately the Outlaw back line stepped up their efforts and delivered beautiful try after try to keep the Outlaws in the game. John Leo delivered a man of the match performance while Grandpa and Hughsie delivered noteworthy efforts. In the end, fitness was the key to victory as the Outlaws dominated the final 10 minutes and put up two late tries to win the game. Although the outcome was a victory, the Outlaws know that they will need to shore up their defense if they want to compete for the South championship.

Thanks to Cape Fear and their contingent of family and friends for the great post game food and drink. We look forward to the rematch here in the low country for an always entertaining match! (Link to Match Report) (Link to Photos).

Posted By: Webmaster

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Cheers Outlaws 

Outlaws,

I'm sure most of you know by now Bekki and I sold our house on Friday and we left Charleston the same day.
Since 2003 I have had the great privilege to play for the Outlaws. Before arriving I was unsure of the standard of rugby I would be playing, but to say I was surprised at the quality of rugby over here was an understatement. I still remember my first encounter with the Outlaws, playing (tackling) for the London Media as the pomes went down 40-0.

To Dave and Taffy, I have learned more in the last 3+ year of playing rugby under your leadership than I have in the last 10 in New Zealand. Your insight into the modern game turned Charleston in to a truly great club. To the new comer's reading this, listen to Dave and Taffy, they know what they are talking about. I've played the game 23 years and have not trained under any better.

I've made some life long friends in Charleston and I'm going to miss you wankers. I fully expect to see you guys for the 2011 world cup in New Zealand, or the Wellington 7's either way there will be a bed and a beer waiting. - Cheers Outlaws (Link to photos of Jaime's going away party)

Posted By: Jaime

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Big Test for Outlaws 

This weekend pits the Outlaws against their instate rival, the Greenvlle Griffins. This will be the final of the two meetings for these two teams, with Greenville taking the first match 22-0. The Outlaws must win, and win big if they hope to host a first round playoff match. So come out early and find some grass for what is certain to be the best rugby match in South Carolina. (Directions to Pitch)

Posted By: Webmaster

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Puckett and One 

Good news travels fast, and great news can't be kept secret. And that seems to be the case with the mysterious comings and goings of Kenny Puckett. Mystery and secret no longer, Kenny is the proud new father to a healthy baby boy - Gavin. The actual vital statistics of the young lad were unavailable at the time of this writing, but by looking at the photos (link to photos), there is the unmistakable crooked grin, Puckett blue eyes and classic Kenny Puckett haircut. Congratulations Kenny, and when you next see Kenny, pass along you're congratulations as well. Word is that Bob has already forbid any non-chaperoned play-dates between Gavin and Gabreiella.

Posted By: Webmaster

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Outlaws Win Top the Table Clash Against Greenville 

A 16-13 win for the Outlaws indicates that the game was close. In score line yes, in terms of the overall game, no. The Outlaws dominated the match for long periods but were not savvy enough to utilize their speed and power out wide where the game was there to be won. A fitter and more athletic team will always beat a heavier more forward dominated one. For all their weight in the scrum, Greenville were simply too one dimensional.

An A+ to the Outlaws for their ''never say die'' attitude - the corner has been turned. It is only a matter of time before all cylinders will be firing - I pity the poor opponent when it happens.

The B side match saw that the future is certainly bright for the Charleston squad. Everybody on the pitch contributed notably Marcellus Lewis and Skip Howard, yet it was newcomer Dan Steinhiser, who turned a man of the match performance in a brilliant 41-7 victory. A bright future indeed as most of the B-side line-up consisted of rookies and developing players. Saturday's B side match also saw the return of Wes Brown from ''New Baby'' hiatus. Welcome back Wes.

Thanks to Greenville for making the long journey and for bringing numbers. (Link to Photos)

Posted By: Taffy - Headcoach

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Off to Memphis I Presume 

While the A-side had a disappointing result against Augusta, losing 27-23 on a last second try, the B-side dominated the game against Augusta, winning going away, 19-5. The A-side had their chances but squandered the game by not making touch and conceding two penalties in the last three minutes. On the positive side, Dan Steinhiser was a tackling machine throughout the game.

In the B-game, Ryan Dodd and Jeff Fain scored their first Outlaw tries, sharing the Man of the Match honors. Good luck to all the Outlaws traveling to the St. Patty's Day tourney this weekend.

Posted By: Tod Shepherd

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Important Test This Weekend 

This coming weekend, your Charleston Outlaws will take on the visiting Cape Fear squad with Playoff implications hanging in the balance. It is simple equation folks, win and you're in, lose and you're playoff fate is out of your hands. Will the Charleston offense reach it's potential? Will the Charleston defense show up and shut down the Fear attack? Is it possible for Taffy to look any older whilst using his ''Old-Man'' walker? The answers to these questions and many others will be revealed to the fervent Outlaw fans this Saturday. Kick-off is slated for 1PM.

But that's not all! Included for your rugby entertainment is the visiting Southern Pine Olde Boys taking on the Charleston Olde Boys in the first test for the Olde Boys this Spring. This match should be a doozy with whisky, hits and blown out hips galore. All the fun starts following the B-Side match this Saturday.

All matches will be played at the newly acquired ''Navy Base Pitch'' (Link to Directions). So come early and stay late for a full day of rugby entertainment! YES!

Posted By: Webmaster

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Outlaws Secure Playoff Spot! - B's & OB's Win! 

This past Saturday saw your Charleston Outlaws secure a playoff spot with a victory over the visiting, rival Cape Fear squad. The Outlaws started slow in the early minutes allowing a poxie charge-down try. But as the game progressed, the ball-control forwards did their job and presented excellent ball to the wide-open backline. The Outlaw backs put on display an aggressive attack which slowly squeezed the opposition into submission. With control of the game wrested from the Fear side, frustration manifested itself in the visitors as sportsmanship was set aside, and Fear was rewarded in kind with two yellow cards and one red card. The Outlaws armed with even tempers, a man advantage, and a superb game-plan made the outcome an inevitable 26-17 victory.

The B-Side match saw the B-Team avenge their early season loss to Fear by delivering a 29-17 victory. The emergence of Adam Jones and his 4 tries sealed the victory for the home squad in a hotly contested match featuring two red cards.

In the closing event, the Charleston Outlaw Olde Boys took on the visiting Southern Pines team from North Carolina. If this was an friendly match, somebody should have let the players know. Both sides fought hard for the right to claim victory. The age and experience of the players on the field made this match-up one of both physical fortitude and cagey skill. A chess match of sorts, contested at each scrum, ruck, and maul, every player played hard until the final whistle. In the end, the play of the backs, in particular Chris Parsons, won the day for the Outlaws in a 24-10 victory.

Three matches, three Outlaw victories! Thanks to both the Cape Fear squad and The Southern Pines squad for putting up a fine display of rugby. Thanks to the olde boys who made it out on Saturday for another go. And a final thanks to all the fans who made it out for a great day of Outlaw rugby.

Posted By: Webmaster

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Outlaws have their own Memphis Blues! 

Outlaws have their own Memphis Blues to think about for another year!

Dean Smith, the once great coach of the North Carolina Tarheels, had a simple but effective philosophy to his coaching, ''in order to put your team in the best possible position to win the game you have to play hard, play smart and play as a team.'' Sounds simple, but as any self respecting coach will tell you, having all 3 firing at the same time is perhaps the most difficult to achieve.

Oh yes, the Outlaws played hard in Memphis - I can't fault the effort. But the team concept was left in the pre-game meeting room back at our hotel. As for playing smart? I'll leave that one for you to chew on over a few beers at Wings.

We had the squad to do some damage in Memphis and should be moving on to the next stages of the playoffs. Taking nothing away from Memphis, they played hard, as a team and they played smart. We all wish them the very best. But come on lads, if we really are being honest, we all should hide ourselves away in shame as this performance was about as bad as it gets.

The reality? We are done for the season. The first time in 5 years that we are not moving forward. I don't know about you lads, but that really pisses me off. In fact, I am still seething. And as my wife will attest, I am an ass to live with right now. OK, 'nuff said.

Moving forward, thanks to everyone who is associated with the Outlaw Nation for your support this season. In particular, Tod and Wags on the coaching side for stepping in for me - the entire Exec Committee who have worked so hard behind the scenes - our sponsors, wives, girlfriends, and extended family. Last but certainly not least, the players. Your selfless dedication, hard work and enthusiasm is what makes this job such a pleasure. Thanks.

Always use protection! (Link to match photos)

Posted By: Taffy - Head Coach

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New Outlaws! 

Seasons change and people change, and it seems that many an Outlaw get hitched, engaged, or they plain olde multiply. So this Spring is not unlike others, and announcements are in order.

The absence of Ty from the latter part of the season is no mystery. March 29 saw the arrival of Margaret Ruth Twigg at 5:56 PM. She weighed in at a healthy 4 pounds 9 ounces. Ty and Paula are very excited about their newest addition and we look forward to seeing her, like her brother, out at the home games next season. (pic 1)

Josh Henderson was so excited about Ty's news that he ran out and asked his lady-friend, Staci Hill to marry him! When queried about his seemingly mindless behavior, his reply was simple: She's a great cook, she makes me laugh, and she has big boobs! Everything is clear now. But still, somebody tackle the guy before he does something crazy again.

The final Springtime announcement is the arrival of Max Ticeanopolissteinoconnerovichsanchez-san, or Max Tice for short. Max was born at 1:48 AM, Thursday, April 19. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21 inches long. This is Dave and Colleen's first child and they are very proud! In the words of Dave Tice: ''He is definitely Outlaw Lock material (circa 2025)''. (pic1, pic2)

So next time y'all run into Ty, Josh or Dave, pass along your congratulations, toss down a cold-ee, and for god's sake, TACKLE JOSH!

Posted By: Webmaster

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5th Annual Memorial Day 7's! 

The Charleston Outlaws Rugby Football Club is proud to present the 5th annual Memorial Day 7’s Rugby Tournament. This event brings in over 300 rugby enthusiasts to the city of Charleston for a weekend of sun, fun, and rugby. Again this year's tournament format will feature a USA Rugby South 7's Qualifier Bracket, an Open Men's Bracket, and an Open Women's Bracket! We are limiting the number of entrants this year to accommodate for the Qualifier Bracket. There are only 10 slots available for each bracket. So sign up early and often to make sure you don't miss out on the great Southern fun and the 7's tournament of the season. (link to tourney page) (link to directions) (last year's tournament photos) (last year's social photos)

Posted By: Webmaster

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