Frank McKinney Steps Down as Queens Head Men’s Rugby Coach - Queens University of Charlotte Athletics

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Head Men's Rugby Coach Frank McKinney has stepped down from his position, Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced today.

"I want to thank Frank for his leadership during his time as head coach of our men's rugby program," Swarthout stated. "His commitment to Queens paired with his vision for the program helped propel the Royals to the national stage in men's rugby. Seeing his 2019 team win a national championship is certainly one of our department's most recent highlights that we will not forget, and their continued success at the DI level has been nothing short of amazing. Frank will be missed, and we wish him all the best moving forward."

The Royals wrapped their 2024 campaign in the NCR DI National Championship Final, falling to Brown University. Queens advanced to the playoffs after winning the Rugby East South Division Title with a 5-0 record in division conference play. The title was the second for Queens in three years. The DI national championship game appearance was also the second for the Royals since transitioning to Division I men's rugby.

Additionally, McKinney and his staff's roles in the player development of their athletes have led to multiple student-athletes moving on to play professionally from the program through USA Rugby and the MLR Draft. Before moving to DI, McKinney led Queens to its first-ever USA-Rugby Division II National Championship, defeating the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 74-8 in the fall of 2019.

"It has been an incredible honor and privilege to lead this program over the past eight years," McKinney commented. "Watching our student-athletes grow both on and off the field has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

I am deeply grateful to the administration for giving me the opportunity to be part of this journey. A special thank you to Cherie Swarthout and Leah Brackett for their unwavering support. I also want to extend my gratitude to Coach T, Cat, and the entire staff—I appreciate you all for putting up with me along the way.

To the student-athletes, you are the heart of this program, and I could not be prouder of what you have accomplished. Over these eight years, we have built something truly special: 10 out of 14 seasons with a team GPA over 3.0, a National Championship, four additional semifinal appearances, and, most importantly, a tradition of excellence and character. Thank you for your relentless effort, dedication, and commitment to this team every single day.

As I step away, I leave a piece of my heart at Queens. This community has given me so much, and I will forever be grateful. Please know that I will always be cheering for Queens Rugby."

Queens added men's rugby in the spring of 2017, hiring McKinney as the first head coach. The team played its first season in the spring of 2018.

Queens Associate Head Men's Rugby Coach Tyree Reed will lead as interim head coach for the spring season.

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