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 in our circle. 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. You see, Jay was a badass, sweetheart, and the best friend you could ever imagine. He was one of a kind. Through this experience, we share his life with current student-athletes and together we all celebrate a life well lived. 

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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 rugby 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. He's a club man through and through. He was 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 to go visit, train with, and play for a rugby club in the United Kingdom. Each rugger is selected for their service, dedication, and competitive spirit. The trip is funded entirely by friends of Jay. 

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We're Not

This is not a charity, it's not affiliated with the University, it's not a foundation, it's not a 501c3 (whatever that is). It's 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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