Columbia, SC - The University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby team suited up this past weekend in Columbia against James Madison University to kick off the fall 2015 season.

Looking to claim their third straight Southeastern Rugby championship in as many seasons, the South Carolina Gamecocks were facing a JMU Dukes squad that had moved up to DI after winning their DII conference last season, made the DII 15s final four, and won USA Rugby's DII college 7s championship.

The Gamecocks looked in mid-season form, mixing their returning starters and their new class of freshmen that is 35 strong. The Gamecocks lit up the scoreboard first off of a maul by senior Dana Corcoran. Senior Jared Magill scored shortly after, and continued pressure led to tried from senior Michael Rudzinsky, senior Mike Mahon, and senior Luke Bolembach. JMU scofed on an interveption.

South Carolina kept up the pressure in the second half with tries from junior Thomas Coar, sophomore Chris Harrell, senior Brian Keown, junior Sean Barnes, and senior Ben Mather. James Madison kept their heads up and scored one last try before the whistle. Final score 62-14 for South Carolina. No. 8 Mike Mahon and scrumhalf Brian Keown were named players od the game.

South Carolina’s second team won 50-0 behind Man of the Match efforts by No. 8 Quintin Brinkley and flyhalf Jacob Powers.  

South Carolina’s Palmetto side traveled to Charleston to take on the Citadel reserves in their first match of the season as well, winning 15-7 with Cameron Higginbotham, Ollie Harvey, and  Tyler Heasley providing the points.

"We should be happy with the results, though the number of mistakes and errors committed during the premier side match was very disappointing," said backline coach Steve Darnell. "The first match of the season can be stressful, for both the players and the coaches, as we reestablish our tempo and introduce new talent to the mix, so hopefully we're over the initial hump. There were several great moments from many players, with each score coming from a different player. The freshman back line in the reserve match had a strong showing and could certainly hold their own as starters on most teams. Overall, a good start with much work to do with this incredibly talented team."

Up next, South Carolina begins SCRC conference play on the road against the Bulldogs of the University of Georgia Saturday night. The SCRC has more actino, as well, with surprise conference finalists Alabama hosting Auburn, and Vanderbilt at Ole Miss.