USA Eagles to Play Clermont Auvergne Rugby
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USA Rugby officially announced today its plans to host Clermont Auvergne Rugby in what should prove to be a hard fought match featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team against the French rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, in Charleston, S.C.
The event, which is not only the first of its kind for the city of Charleston, but also the state of South Carolina, will be hosted in part by the founder of ASM Clermont Auvergne, Michelin, and the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, and is set to be broadcast live on ESPN Classic.
“The Charleston Battery are delighted to be a part of this event, we’re all big rugby fans at the Club and are excited that the Eagles will be playing at our stadium. It’s also great news that the game will be nationally televised; it’s another opportunity for us to showcase our stadium and our city to the rest of the U.S,” said Andrew Bell, Director of Soccer & Stadium Operations at the Charleston Battery.
“We will bring with us a host of international players including Mario Ledesma of Argentina, Elvis Vermeulen of France and World Cup winning captain John Smit of South Africa,” said Neil McIlroy, Clermont team manager. “We are keen to develop our image outside of Europe whilst experiencing a different culture and obviously playing a top level international team such as the USA Eagles. Additionally, we will further develop our bond with our founders and partners Michelin.”
The Clermont Auvergne club is currently leading their national competition the Top 14, the highest level of French rugby.
“It’s obviously exciting to have Clermont Auvergne, one of the best French rugby clubs, coming to the USA,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Nigel Melville said. “Building a relationship with a professional team of their caliber is great for USA Rugby and considering their connection to Michelin, which has its North American headquarters in South Carolina, there is really no better place to host such an event.”
“With 7,000 employees and close to 3,000 retirees in the state, Michelin is delighted to help host this event in the Palmetto State,” said Michael Fanning, vice-president of corporate affairs, Michelin North America. “We especially appreciate the support of the state of South Carolina and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau in promoting the event.”
Following an entire summer under the tutelage of new coach Scott Johnson, this match will not only showcase the improvements that are being made with the U.S. National Team, but also help develop the game in the U.S. as a whole.
“It’s important to note that this match is not just about the teams showing up and playing the game, it’s about the opportunities this match presents to develop the game of rugby on a whole,” Melville added. “With coach, referee and youth development opportunities, USA Rugby is looking forward to developing this into a legacy event. We are about furthering the growth of the game and a fixture like this can only help build upon our momentum forward.”
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