South Carolina H 4824: Columbia Rhinos, national rugby champs

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4824 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 14, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4824

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE COLUMBIA RHINOS RUGBY FOOTBALL 
CLUB ON BEING CROWNED THE 2025 USA RUGBY MEN'S DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAMPION 
AND TO WISH THIS OUTSTANDING TEAM MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

Whereas, on May 18, 
2025, the Columbia Rhinos Rugby Football Club made history in capturing the 
2025 USA Rugby Men's Division III National Championship. This coveted triumph 
went to the Rhinos after a gritty undefeated playoff run that spanned multiple 
states and some of the toughest competition in the country; and

Whereas, in the 
national final, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Rhinos defeated the 
Scottsdale Blues 36-19 and brought the championship home to Columbia, a city 
that has supported the club for decades; and

Whereas, the road to 
the title featured four key wins:

-- Round of 16: Columbia opened its postseason 
campaign by taking down the defending national champions, the Austin Blacks. In 
a back-and-forth battle, the Rhinos prevailed 33-22, setting the tone for their 
playoff push.

-- Quarterfinals: Against Brevard County, the 
Rhinos showcased their depth and discipline and came away with an overtime 31-24 
win, thus booking their ticket to the national semifinals.

-- Semifinals: Facing powerhouse Rocky Gorge, 
Columbia put together a dominant performance, winning 50-11 in a display of 
relentless intensity and teamwork.

-- National Championship: The Rhinos outmatched 
the Scottsdale Blues 36-19 in the final by combining strategic execution with 
raw passion to seal the victory; and

Whereas, this 
championship has been fifty years in the making for Columbia Rugby, a program 
fueled entirely by unpaid athletes, local pride, and a pure love for the game. 
These men train and play not for contracts or glory but for each other, for 
their city, and for a shared legacy that spans generations of Columbia rugby 
players; and

Whereas, with much 
pride, the House salutes the Columbia Rhinos on a prestigious national victory 
well won. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House 
of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate 
the Columbia Rhinos Rugby Football Club on being crowned the 2025 USA Rugby 
Men's Division III National Champion and wish this outstanding team much 
continued success in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be presented to the Columbia Rhinos Rugby Football Club.

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This web page was last updated on January 14, 2026 at 02:43 PM