Courtland Smith

Courtland Smith, originally from Pompano Beach, Florida, began his rugby journey in 2010 at the age of 15 after eight years of playing American football. During his high school years, he played alongside future USA Rugby players such as Peter Malcolm, Mitch Wilson, and Chase Schor Haskin. He was a key member of Florida Juice Rugby U18, a program known for producing top talent like Cam Dolan, Peter Malcolm, and Mitch Wilson. With Florida Juice, he won a National Championship in 2014*and earned selection for USA Rugby’s Stars and Stripes program.  

Courtland continued his rugby career at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia before returning to Florida, where he played club rugby for the Boca Raton Buccaneers. During this time, he was actively working toward breaking into the professional ranks of the now-defunct Pro Rugby League in the U.S.  

In 2018, he transitioned into coaching, leading the Boca Junior Bucs U15 team to a State Championship in 2019. While continue playing for the first team. He joined the Gwinnett Lions in 2021, quickly making an impact in Georgia rugby as a player. Unfortunately, in early 2024, a career-changing injury sidelined him for the season, leading him to take on the role of head coach.

Now at the helm of the Gwinnett Lions, Courtland steps into the position following a strong foundation laid by his predecessor. He leads a new squad of Lions with determination, experience, and a deep passion for the game, continuing to shape the future of the club.