Sean hunt Named Team Captain For 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA COPPERHEADS ANNOUNCE SEAN HUNT AS TEAM CAPTAIN FOR THE 2026 SEASON

ATLANTA, GA – The newly re-established, community-owned Atlanta Copperheads — powered by FairShare are immensely proud to announce that USA International and Atlanta rugby league stalwart Sean Hunt has been named Team Captain for the upcoming 2026 season.

Pictured: Sean Hunt - Copperheads Player #107

Hunt’s appointment as captain marks a triumphant return to his home city, capping off a remarkable decade-long journey of dedication to the sport.

Originally a rugby union player, Hunt was introduced to the 13-man code when he joined the Atlanta Rhinos in 2016. He made an immediate, heavy-hitting impact, helping lead the Rhinos to a National Championship in 2017.

His standout performances quickly caught the attention of national selectors, earning him his first cap for the USA Hawks that same year. Since then, Hunt has continued to excel at the highest levels, earning additional opportunities to represent his heritage with the Roots Touring side.

For nearly a decade, Hunt has been a dominant force in the second row. However, as he steps into the captaincy for the 2026 season, he will be shifting to the lock position. Donning the number 13 jersey, Hunt is set to lead the Copperheads' forward pack directly from the front, setting the physical tone for the team. While his on-field resume speaks for itself, it is Hunt’s off-field devotion to the game that makes him the heart and soul of the new Atlanta Copperheads.

When momentum for rugby league in Atlanta under the Rhinos stalled after the NARL effort, Hunt refused to let the game fade. In 2024, he put on his coaching hat for a season in a tireless effort to revive the local scene.

When challenges persisted in 2025, Hunt’s commitment was so unwavering that he flew back and forth from Atlanta to Southwest Florida just to stay involved with the sport, debuting as Copperhead Player #107 that season.

His vision for Atlanta rugby league never wavered. Hunt became one of five key founding members from Atlanta credited with successfully lobbying team owner Curtis Goddard and top sponsor Darren Piggins to bring the Copperheads franchise up to Atlanta for the 2026 season.

This strategic move also allowed for the successful relaunch of the Southwest Florida team out of Sarasota, now known as the Bullsharks. "I knew it was the right time to make this move. My 2025 New Year's resolution was to go where you're wanted," Goddard said. "Rugby league has given me incredible opportunities in such a short amount of time, and I want to give back to the future players of Atlanta. Hunt said. "Working out a plan with Darren to ensure our core Southwest Florida guys still had a team was key in making the move happen. Then Seeing the Atlanta guys so passionate about getting the game going again was what made me so receptive to the move. I know year one won't be easy, but because we have a gritty core of players ready to take on the hardest challenges of rebuilding league in Atlanta, we will be a dynasty in no time." Goddard said.

Now, with the Copperheads officially operating under a groundbreaking community-owned model powered by FairShare, Hunt’s journey comes full circle.

He is ready to captain the team in his own backyard, bringing the game that has given him so many incredible opportunities back to the Atlanta community he loves.

If you're in Jacksonville come catch the Season Opener tonight! The Atlanta Copperheads kick off their 2026 campaign today, Saturday, June 6th, against the Jacksonville Axemen. Location: Rock Stadium at Jacksonville University Kickoff: 7:00 PM

Support the club and become a community owner by purchasing your home game membership in advance! Recommended donation - Adults: $20, Under 18: $10, and Under 12: $1 to simply log attendence in the FairShare community-ownership system.

Secure your tickets here: https://www.copperheadsrlfc.com/event-list

About the Atlanta Copperheads: The Atlanta Copperheads are a community-owned rugby league club based in Atlanta, Georgia. Powered by FairShare, the club is dedicated to growing the sport of rugby league in the Southeast, providing opportunities for local athletes, and building a franchise that truly belongs to its fans and community.

Media Contact:Drew Cohen

Marketing and PR Intern

drew@copperheadsac.com