On the eve of the Safari Club International (SCI) Convention 2026, John Rigby & Co. welcomed an international gathering of Professional Hunters to The Rigby Legends Evening, an informal celebration held at “The Rigby Arms” pop-up at Teddy’s Tavern in Nashville, Tennessee.
The evening was a gesture of appreciation to the Professional Hunters who play a vital role in shaping the real-world experience of safari hunting. Rather than a formal launch event, guests gathered over buffalo burgers and beers served in Rigby-branded cups and napkins, complete with a tongue-in-cheek reminder to “please drink responsibly,” a playful nod to an audience more accustomed to standing between their clients and Africa’s most dangerous game than heeding barroom warnings.
At the heart of the evening was an introduction to the Rigby Legends Collection, a new line of safari clothing created as a tribute to the explorers and professional hunters whose lives and legacies are intertwined with Rigby’s own history. Designed according to the brand’s long-standing “fit for purpose” philosophy, the collection honours both the icons of safari’s golden age and the experienced professionals who continue that legacy today – individuals defined not by spectacle, but by calm under pressure, practical expertise and enduring respect for the field.
Each attendee received a Rigby Dagga Boy Scrum Cap Rugby Shirt from the collection, reinforcing the camaraderie that defined the evening. These are from the new Rigby Legends Collection and as well as Rigby blue stripe, they are also available in olive green. Rigby-branded scrum caps, inspired by the old Cape buffalo bulls known as “Dagga Boys,” legendary for their toughness and battle-worn character, added a playful yet meaningful element. Often referred to as “scrum cap” Dagga Boys once their horns have worn down as they reach much older age, these animals symbolise resilience, experience and hard-earned respect – qualities deeply associated with professional hunters themselves and reflective of the ethos behind the Legends Collection.
Speaking during the evening, Rigby Managing Director Marc Newton emphasised the importance of recognising professional hunters as partners in the hunting experience.
“Our customers may first encounter Rigby through our rifles, but the true safari hunting experience is only possible because of Professional Hunters in the field,” he said. “Their knowledge, responsibility and ability to deliver moments that become lifelong memories are what make this industry what it is. The Legends Evening was about saying thank you to the PHs and ensuring they know that Rigby stands behind them as much as they stand behind our clients.”
True to Rigby’s philosophy, the evening avoided formality in favour of fun and authentic connection, encouraging guests to handle the collection, share stories from the field and offer candid feedback, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to creating equipment shaped by real-world experience rather than passing trends.
Derek Hurt of Robin Hurt Safaris, who addressed the room during the evening and led guests in “three cheers for Rigby,” later reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“It was a great evening celebrating African Professional Hunters and launching the Legends safari clothing collection,” he said. “We are very honoured that my father Robin Hurt has a safari jacket named after him in the collection. It means a great deal to see his experience and legacy recognised in this way.”
With the 2026 SCI Convention getting underway the following day, The Rigby Legends Evening set the tone for a week grounded in community, partnership and a shared respect for the people whose work continues to uphold the heritage and future of safari hunting.
