6-8 Rugby Player Neff Giwa Signs with South Carolina Football

The Gamecocks land a massive international recruit with no prior American football experience.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:19pm

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In a surprising move, the South Carolina Gamecocks have signed Neff Giwa, a 6-foot-8, 295-pound athlete from Ireland who has never played American football. Giwa, a former rugby player, caught the attention of the Gamecocks and other top college programs after a viral video showcasing his offensive line skills. Despite his lack of football experience, Giwa's size and athleticism made him a highly sought-after recruit, with offers from schools like North Carolina, SMU, and James Madison.

Why it matters

Giwa's signing highlights the growing trend of international athletes, particularly those with rugby backgrounds, transitioning to college football. Programs are increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of recruiting athletes with diverse athletic experiences, as rugby players often possess qualities that translate well to the gridiron. Giwa's story also showcases the importance of international scouting networks like PPI Recruits in identifying and developing this untapped talent pool.

The details

Giwa honed his skills with Cashel Rugby Club in Ireland and later represented Munster Rugby, earning a spot on the Ireland U18 Clubs and Schools squad in 2022. His impressive size and athleticism were captured in a short video posted by PPI Recruits, which quickly gained traction and attracted interest from numerous top college football programs. After visiting several schools, Giwa ultimately chose to join the Gamecocks, who were in need of bolstering their offensive line after injuries to key players.

  • Giwa's signing was announced on March 29, 2026.
  • He plans to arrive at South Carolina in May 2026.

The players

Neff Giwa

A 6-foot-8, 295-pound athlete from Ireland who has never played American football but has a background in rugby, including representing Munster Rugby and the Ireland U18 Clubs and Schools squad.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The college football team that signed Neff Giwa, highlighting the growing trend of international athletes transitioning to the sport.

Premier Prospects International (PPI)

An international recruiting program that helped showcase Giwa's skills and has successfully placed over 100 athletes in major college football programs over the past decade.

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What they’re saying

“I was just interested in playing football. You kind of have to be here to understand just how special and how big it is here.”

— Neff Giwa

What’s next

Giwa plans to arrive at South Carolina in May 2026 and begin his transition to American football, where he is expected to play offensive tackle.

The takeaway

Neff Giwa's story exemplifies the growing importance of international recruiting pipelines like PPI Recruits in college football. As programs continue to recognize the potential of athletes with diverse backgrounds, particularly those with rugby experience, more international players may follow in Giwa's footsteps and make the transition to the gridiron.