SAVANNAH, Ga. () – The Savannah Shamrocks men’s rugby team has advanced to the Sweet 16 after winning the Georgia Rugby Union (GRU) championship.

The Shamrocks defeated the Charleston Outlaws Rugby Club 35-25 in a dramatic finish to secure the Redmond Cup for the GRU’s 2024-25 season.

Captain Ben Hughes commented on the exciting win: “I’m incredibly proud of this team. Winning our Union championship required contributions from everyone. We have a great mix of veteran and new players and we’re coming together at the right time. I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

The Shamrocks will represent the GRU at the USA Rugby Gulf Coast Super Regional on May 3-4 in Mandeville, LA. They will face the Florida Rugby Union’s champion, Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club, on Saturday, May 3 for a spot in the regional final the following day.

This regional semifinal is the round of 16 teams competing for a Division 3 national championship. Information about the event can be found here.