Turner to join Paladins

Andrew Turner, a resident of Muscat, Oman who began playing rugby in third grade, will attend Furman University next year and has committed to joining the Furman rugby team.

Turner, who attended the 2014 Furman Rugby Camp, has played rugby in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. He is a member of the Muscat Pirates where he plays wing and fly-half. He is the son of Mark and Julie Turner. Mr. Turner is a U.S. diplomat and U.S. Army veteran. Mrs. Turner is an elementary school teacher.

“Having grown up playing rugby overseas I have always been fascinated by different cultures and backgrounds and how on the field, regardless of our different lives, rugby teams always play with a special bond and mutual respect for one another,” said Turner. “I am looking forward to playing on a rugby team in America. The one sport that has always been present in my life overseas is rugby, and I am glad Furman will provide me the opportunity to further excel as an athlete and student.”

Turner will be one of three international players on Furman’s 2015 recruiting class, which also includes Jeff Rein, John Williams (both of Nashville, TN),  Josh Hager, (Whispering Pines, N.C.) Austin Willis (Atlanta), Aidan Clarke (Connecticut), Pierce Kirkland (Houston), 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 thrilled to have Drew join our team,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “He had superb camp last year. From a personality and play perspective he will fit nicely into our program. We welcome his experience.”