The Jay Smith Memorial

An Immersive Rugby Experience to Celebrate The Life of a Legend

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When our friend Jay Stewart Smith died after beating the shit out of Leukemia for a decade or so, we didn't know what to do. His absence left a void. A link was missing in our chain. Today, a group of friends, teammates, and alumni from UGA are committed to celebrating his life in a highly unique way. It' a great way to stay connected and mentor young student-athletes.

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Who is Jay Smith?

He was a great kid, a loyal friend, an excellent teammate, a loving husband, an engaged father, and a Damn Good Dawg. He played for UGA until he couldn't. After that, he worked with the alumni off the field organizing our Alumni Board of Directors for the club. A club man through and through. Selfless in his service and highly visible as a leader.

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What is the Jay Smith Memorial Scholarship?

Each year, friends and old teammates select 2 current players at the UGA RFC and embed them into 2 rugby clubs in Scotland. Each student is selected for their service, dedication, and competitive spirit. The trip is funded entirely by friends of Jay. 

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Disclaimer

This is not a charity, it's not affiliated with the University, it's not a foundation, it's not a 501c3. We're a group of independent, Jay loving people who want to do something super cool every year for 2 hard-working, well-mannered, rugby players who refuse to make tackles.

Just like Jay. God love him.

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2023 Winners

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Luke "Scrappy" Spotts ('24)

Club President

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Connor Westbrook. ('24)

Club Captain

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Host Club

Watsonians FC

Edinburgh, Scotland

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Special Thanks to The Kelley Family, Scott Hastings, Duncan Hodge, Johnny Matthews, Stuart Blake, Watsonian FC, and Edinburgh Rugby.

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