Bellarmine Rugby in the modern era began in 1980. It morphed into College Park Rugby for a number of years and returned to campus in 2007. We currently field a varsity and a junior varsity team and play under the auspices of Rugby NorCal and USA Rugby. The season, during which we compete against other single school and club teams from northern California, lasts from January through early May.
Rugby is a fast-growing sport in northern California and the bay area. We compete in 15’s (15 players on a side) during the academic year and in sevens or Olympic Rugby (7 players to a side) during the summer. Sevens returned to the Olympics in 2016, after a hiatus that began in 1924. The U.S. won the gold medal in Rugby (15’s) in 1920 and 1924.
Rugby is the consummate team sport, providing constant opportunities for BCP players to grow as “men for others”, on and off the pitch. “With you” is an oft heard refrain during games, as players communicate that they are in support of their teammates. Communication, support of others and decision making are fundamentals of rugby that are developed in practice and during games, and serve players off the field and in life. Some would argue that rugby, besides being the most fun game on the planet, may be the most Ignatian in its nature as well.
Most BCP rugby players go on to play in college and many continue to play at the club level post college. Former players have made their marks on teams at Boston College, Providence College, Georgetown, Loyola of Chicago, Seattle University, Nevada Reno, Cal Poly SLO, Colorado State, CSU Chico, CSU San Jose, Creighton, Santa Clara, University of Ariona, USC, UCLA, USD, USF, Gonzaga, LMU and other schools.
The BCP coaches have over 200 years of rugby experience in the bay area, as players, coaches and referees. Our goal is to provide a positive experience to our players, to develop and to form them as physically fit, competent, communicative and compassionate, as well as responsible, citizens and leaders.
For more info contact Terry Ryan or Norm Boccone.