Memphis was accepted unanimously by South Independent Rugby Conference (SIRC) participants in a meeting that took place on July 9, 2012.  The conference was impressed by the progress that Memphis has made over the past 12 months and was swayed by their improved infrastructure and success in recent competition.

In his report, Coach Cole reviewed the recent successes of the side and attested to the financial stability of the club.  He reviewed the recent 8 and 2 collegiate record and committed that the Tigers would be a positive cooperative force in the conference.

The Tigers most likely will be placed in the Northern Division of the SIRC which includes powerhouses such as Life University, Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).  In the same meeting, Emery decided to resign from the conference stating that their level of play placed them more closely aligned with the Dixie Conference. This will lead to some conference realignment.

The SIRC, a Division 1 AA conference in its second year of existence, is chaired by Jody Hensley, coach of MTSU.  Conference dues are $750 annually which manages the infrastructure and costs associated with select side play. The club remains responsible for travel costs to matches, and for referee and hosting costs for visiting teams.  15’s Conference play begins in late winter of 2013.

The Tigers have been invited to participate in this years SIRC 7’s Tournament on September 29^th in Tallahassee, FL.  The captains and coaches are debating whether we will be attending the conference 7’s tournament this year and should have a decision by 7/20. (The fall schedule is under development and can be watched while under construction by checking https://tigerrugby.org/2012-fall-schedule/.

The Tigers wanted to step up to higher level rugby, and this is a huge step.  We’ve got a lot of work to do to prepare for the spring.  But, we have the horses and we have the talent.  If we work very hard, we can compete with anyone.