Bruce Edwards Says Ags Will Go FBS in 5-10 Years I have heard rumors and allegations both ways about rugby scholarships at Cal, but in the end, I don't believe that they do. As a varsity sport, within what ever department handles NCAA and other intercollegiate athletics at Cal, I believe they get some perks, such as a few preferential admissions, access to training and medical facilities, access to study programs, preferential class enrollment....but I don't believe they offer athletic scholarships.
I also understand that the school holds the team to the same standards as other varsity sports, particularly regarding recruiting,...I am not sure if that applies to grades and inter-college transfers.
However I also understand that their participation is included in Title IX issues...and that Cal Rugby, (and possibly other men's sports [baseball??]) help fund some women't sports.
Rugby at St. Mary's is still, like almost every other college, within the club sport program. I have never heard that they offer athletic scholarships for rugby at St. Mary's.
One thing both teams have in common is a strong program with good and consistent coaching. So many club sports rely on a coach who is woefully underpaid and who does it for a few years before moving on. Clark has been at Cal for decades, and O'Brien has been at St. Mary's for 16 years. Both men love the game, there isn't any Nick Saban type money in coaching collegiate rugby.
Success breeds success and the schools lure top level players.
Cal in particular has a strong backing from alumni and fans. They play their home matches at Witter Field, named for the family that started the Dean Witter investment business. Imagine having your own pitch and not having to share it with other teams or with the intramural program.