Clarke to join Paladins

Aidan Clarke, a standout member of the Staples Rugby Team (Westport, CT), has accepted a rugby scholarship and will enroll at Furman in the fall.

Clarke, son of Ron and Susan Clarke, began playing rugby in 2012. He has played prop, hooker and performed some spot duty as scrum half for Staples who are 2-0 so far this season. Clarke, a student of rugby, is also a contributor to the Rugby Banter Page, a Dublin-based international rugby website.

“Aidan is one of the most knowledgeable rugby players I have ever met, he works very hard both on and off the field bettering himself and understanding all facets of the game,” said Staples Forwards Coach David Lyme. “Aidan excels at his prominent position of number two, but with his fitness and ability he also makes a great back up to number nine and number 10.”

“I have been blessed to have the opportunity to attend a school like Furman, which can also offer an excellent rugby program,” Clarke said. “There are not many schools that can boast a rugby program like that of Furman, while also offering a small school atmosphere and liberal arts curriculum. I cannot wait to get to work with Coach Roberts, and am ready to give Furman everything I have to offer.”

Clarke is part of Furman’s third scholarship class, the largest and most talented to date. The class also includes Robbie Greco (England) Jeff Rein, John Williams (both of Nashville, TN),  Josh Hager, (Whispering Pines, N.C.) Austin Willis (Atlanta) and Pierce Kirkland (Houston). Last fall, Furman captured the Southern Rugby Conference Title and ended the season ranked 6th in the nation.

“We are very excited to have Aidan,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “He comes to us highly recommended not oly for his play, but for his hard work ethic and exceptional attitude.”