Panther Rugby Academy has announced the addition of four coaches to its staff: JK Anderson and Jody Hensley, Jameson Bonti, and Emil Walton.

Anderson will lead the U23 Men’s 7s Program, while Hensley will head up the Men’s 15s Program.

JK Anderson, currently the Head Coach of the NAV 7s (National Athletic Village) and Director of 7s Selects – Carolina’s Geographical Union has assembled a coaching staff consisting of Jameson Bonti and Emil Walton. Jameson Bonti currently serves as the Head coach of both Carolinas Geographical Men’s 7s Select side and Tobacco Road rugby club out of North Carolina. Emil Walton, a Player Scout for Rugby ATL and the Head Coach of the University of Louisville rounds out a strong coaching staff.

"PRA has outlined a clear vision to be a top academy program within the USA Rugby National Development Program,” said Anderson, ”and when you combine that with their strong desire to be active in communities, create a pathway to identify and develop top talent at all levels, their contribution to the growth of rugby and players in the US is immense. I’m proud to join this academy and look forward to leading the U23 Men’s 7s program."  

Jody Hensley, a Level 300 coach with extensive coaching experience at the age grade, collegiate and senior levels of rugby in both 15s and 7s, will lead the Men’s 15s program. Jody is currently in the process of building out his coaching staff, but recently coached the 15s program to a 4-0 record at the Nash Bash Festival in Tennessee with support from coaches Randy Joseph, Tyree Reed and Johnathan Toombs.

“I am proud to be a part of Panther Rugby Academy and to have the ability to share my knowledge with the future international players," said Hensley. "PRA is a great pathway for players to get the skill development and upper level playing opportunities they need to excel at rugby. The coaching staff and leadership of PRA possess a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience that they are willing to share with any player looking to further his rugby career. Panther Rugby Academy is the premier pathway to becoming a national level player."