Kirkland to join Paladins

Pierce Kirkland, a flanker and co-captain of the Memorial High School (Houston, TX) Rugby Team, has accepted a Furman Rugby Scholarship and has committed to attend Furman.

Kirkland, the son of Robert Kirkland of Houston, is a three-year starter for Memorial, which finished in third place in  Texas High School Rugby Division II in 2014 and was fourth place in 2013.

“Although his play on the pitch has helped the rugby team achieve success, it has been his character, his maturity and selfless nature that have made him a pleasure to work with,” said Memorial Rugby Coach Edmond Allen. “There is no doubt that a great deal of team success was due to his contributions both on and off the practice as well as the game pitch.”

Says Kirkland: “I am very excited to join the Furman rugby team this upcoming fall, and I look forward to trying to make Furman the best rugby program in division two rugby!”

Kirkland is the fifth forward to commit to Furman this spring. The class also includes Jeff Rein, John Williams (both of Nashville, TN), Josh Hager, (Whispering Pines, N.C.) Austin Willis (Atlanta), Aidan Clarke (Connecticut), Andrew Turner (Oman), Robbie Greco (England) and Thomas Trankle (South Africa). Last fall, Furman captured the Southern Rugby Conference Title and ended the season ranked 6th in the nation.

“We are very excited to have Pierce,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “There are many fine high school rugby players in Texas and we are happy to get one of them.”