Anthem RC Sets Sights on Expansion as Patrick Stack Takes the Helm
New Anthem RC President Patrick Stack Aims to Double Rugby’s Footprint in Charlotte 🏉
Charlotte, NC — Anthem Rugby Carolina (Anthem RC), Charlotte’s professional rugby team, has named Patrick Stack as its first president. As the 2025 season approaches, Stack faces the challenge of growing the team’s presence in Charlotte and proving the viability of an unprecedented funding model.
Unlike the privately owned franchises typical in Major League Rugby (MLR), Anthem RC operates under a tripartite ownership and funding structure. Major League Rugby, USA Rugby, and World Rugby collectively own the team, pooling resources to prioritize player development and expand the sport’s footprint ahead of the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held in the United States.
This experimental arrangement is unique in professional rugby. While MLR teams typically rely on private investors, Anthem RC’s funding reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing the sport’s ecosystem. The three governing bodies aim to make Charlotte a hub for rugby development, funneling resources into youth programs, local partnerships, and fan engagement.
A New Era for Charlotte Rugby
For Anthem RC, the challenge of self-sufficiency looms large. The team debuted in 2024 as MLR’s 12th club, joining a league that has experienced significant growth since its founding in 2018. However, Anthem RC operates differently from its peers. Without private ownership, the team depends on the financial and logistical support of its governing bodies.
This structure is intended to ensure the team’s success in a competitive market. MLR views Charlotte as an essential growth city, with its established rugby community and large population providing a foundation for expansion. But unlike other clubs, Anthem RC must balance community engagement with meeting the performance expectations of three powerful stakeholders.
In 2024, Anthem RC drew an average of 1,000 fans per game. For the 2025 season, the goal is to double attendance while demonstrating the viability of a publicly funded rugby franchise. Stack’s role is central to this effort. As the team’s first full-time employee, he is tasked with driving revenue, increasing awareness, and connecting with the local rugby community.
Tapping Into Local Rugby Passion 🏉
“Charlotte is one of the larger rugby communities in the country — we need to do everything we can to get connected,” Stack emphasized. The city is home to the Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Club, which supports 300 youth players, and boasts collegiate rugby programs at Belmont Abbey College and Queens University. Stack plans to integrate these existing networks into Anthem RC’s broader vision.
The team will play six home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium and two at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews. With a full 16-match schedule split between home and away games, Anthem RC aims to make Charlotte a destination for rugby fans across the Southeast.
Why Anthem RC Matters to Rugby’s Future 🌍
Anthem RC’s funding structure is about more than dollars and cents. It represents a strategic play by World Rugby and USA Rugby to create a pipeline of talent for the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup. By investing in Charlotte, the governing bodies hope to nurture future stars while expanding rugby’s presence in the U.S.
“Rugby is at an inflection point in America,” said Stack. “The World Cup is a massive opportunity, but we need to build infrastructure now to make it a success. That starts with communities like Charlotte.”
For MLR, the Charlotte team serves as a litmus test. If Anthem RC succeeds, it could pave the way for similar hybrid funding models in other cities. However, the pressure to deliver results—both on and off the field—is immense.
Thanks to Joe Maus Chevrolet 🚗
As Anthem RC takes on this bold experiment, it’s worth thanking the team’s sponsor, Joe Maus Chevrolet. With their unbeatable lifetime warranties and best price guarantee, Joe Maus Chevrolet drives excellence both on and off the field. 🛻
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Jack Beckett
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