Atlanta Cup to be Curtain Raiser for Rugby ATL
by: Jonny Rea
The long-awaited day has come. Atlanta’s oldest clubs will finally face each other for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down rugby across the world in the spring of 2020. This edition of the Atlanta Cup will be a special treat for fans, as the match will be played at Silverbacks Park immediately prior to Rugby ATL’s match against the New England Freejacks.
Atlanta Old White vs Atlanta Renegades will kick off at noon, followed by a social/tailgate for the Major League Rugby match. The team will stick around - taking over section 301 - to watch Rugby ATL take on the New England Freejacks at 3pm. The match will feature Old White’s attack and backs coach Te Rangatira Waitokia at the wing for ATL. Both teams are currently 5-1, but ATL holds a narrow lead in the points table with 25 points to New England’s 23. This match could decide the leader in the Eastern Conference for the time being.
Because this is officially an Old White home match, the club will be hosting with all of the comforts players and fans have come to expect. Trainer and physical therapist services will be provided by PT Solutions. Beverages for the social/tailgate will be provided by Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Old White’s professional training uniform has been provided by Vesta Roofing Contractors. We wouldn’t be able to do what we love without our sponsors.
Fans will need to purchase tickets for the Rugby ATL match in order to attend the Atlanta Cup, but there is no extra charge to see both matches.
The roster for tomorrow’s match has been announced:
CJ Anderson
Phil Thiel (c)
Zach Jessell
Francois Simand
Sean Hunt
Zach McAfee
Kenny Green
Jon Garbin
Jarrett Cartin (vc)
George Phelan
Austin Fernandez
Richard Shore
Drew Moyes
Kimani Archer
Zach Miller
Mitch Shea
Justin “Telly” Chappell
Christian Suggs
Caleb Lindsey
Jonny Rea
Bejohn Baker
Jarrod Byrne
Tim Acker
