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Save Cal Varsity Rugby
I was disappointed to find out that the California Golden Bears, possibly the most successful rugby team in the world over the last 3 decades, is in severe danger of being shut down this year. Considering the push for the development of collegiate rugby in the USA this is a very unfortunate situation.
Some of you might remember the blog article I posted about the team a few years ago but, for those that don't, the University of California has a rich rugby history stretching back to 1882. This history includes attracting crowds of up to 26 000 during the period between 1906 and 1913 when Californian universities switched from American football to rugby, hosting the first ever touring All Blacks side in 1906, and in later years drew 8-8 with Queensland during a tour of Australia and New Zealand.
More recently they have amassed an incredible record of 25 collegiate National Championships in 31 seasons, making them the most successful team in American college sports. They have beaten the USA Super League champions in recent years and contributed a number of players to the national team, making them possibly the greatest rugby team in the country. They are considered to be an important part of the culture at the university and the on-going recognition they get from the far more famous football team is evidence of this.
Unfortunately university politics have meant that the University of California is looking to cut rugby from its athletics program next season, potentially putting an end to one of the great dynasties in world rugby.
Here is a link for those interested in the story: http://savecalvarsityrugby.com/
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hell of a record 23 Championships in the last 30 years!
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Cal Rugby are completely self-sufficient and actually contribute in excess of $300,000 USD to the athletic department each year. Cal Rugby is going nowhere anytime soon. They want to keep the Varsity status as a source of pride and status more so than a need in order to remain competitive. In fact, it could be argued that not having to contribute the $300,000 could in fact further bolster Cal Rugby.
Saying that I hope it does regain the status as it does make things easier for the players. Evidently a lot of alumni are rather upset about this move.
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[YOUTUBE][ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25_QK_lxSvc"]YouTube - Jack Clark Interview on Chronicle Live (9/30/2010)[/ame][/YOUTUBE]
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http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/23/sports/23rugby.html Pretty good article on Cal Rugby's status and the politics, rather than financial shortfalls, that led to the current situation. One positive from this is that the University's decision has gotten national attention...
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"It's official: Cal Rugby is reinstated to Varsity status
'On behalf of all our program’s student-athletes, alumni and supporters, we are honored that Cal rugby will continue within Intercollegiate Athletics,” said rugby coach Jack Clark. “Our donors have once again generously demonstrated their high regard for Cal rugby through their impassioned response to these financial challenges. We also sincerely appreciate the university’s willingness to work with us these past months to allow rugby to maintain its status on campus.'”
Full article: http://savecalvarsityrugby.com/
