For the 2026 Trehy Cup match, North Carolina and Duke are teaming up with the Hope Center at Pullen to support its mission.
The Hope Center at Pullen empowers emerging adults who are transitioning out of foster care in Wake County with the support and connections needed for a safe and stable adulthood.
The rivalry trophies namesake, Jay Trehy, an alumnus of both the Carolina and Duke Men’s Rugby clubs, was the catalyst for the partnership between UNC Men’s Rugby and the Hope Center at Pullen.
“You can trace the fact that Rugby is our greatest team sport to the word: Support. From lifting for a line-out, to forming a scrum, to joining a ruck or maul, and most of all, from a teammate’s promise of: With you!” said Trehy. “Support is also the mission of Hope Center at Pullen, support so greatly needed by so many who have been denied so much. Operating under the principle that it’s better to raise good citizens than to repair broken adults, The Hope Center steps in because state support runs out.”
The Hope Center at Pullen, a nonprofit serving foster teens and emerging adults with a history of foster care, is thrilled to be honored at the upcoming 2026 'Rivals for Hope' UNC vs. Duke rugby match.
“Much like rugby teammates lift each other up on the field,” said Meredith Yuckman, Executive Director of The Hope Center at Pullen. “Our community lifts up young adults transitioning out of foster care with the connections and support needed for a safe and stable adulthood. See you on the sidelines!”
