How it Started

The Southern Pines Jokers existed from 2004 to 2006. The club became inactive until Rob Bortins and Gus Remington revived high school rugby in Moore County as the Gators from 2010 to 2014.

In 2017, Joe Hogan was approached about the possibility of restarting the high school rugby program. Along with Gareth Williams, Joe successfully revitalized the club towards the end of that year. Initially, he had just three high school players who participated in matches with Raleigh Rugby. By 2019, he was able to establish his own club, and in 2020, he expanded the program to include youth players.

As of 2025, we are one of the largest clubs in the state, despite having the lowest population. We have over 270 registered players, 13 college scholarships awarded, numerous players on select teams, and many traveling internationally to play rugby.

We are committed to developing grassroots rugby and including youth from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their physical abilities. All of our coaches and board members are volunteers, with many being active-duty military personnel or veterans.tary personnel or veterans.tary personnel or veterans.