In this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we spotlight the University of California, Santa Cruz Rugby program and what makes it one of the most compelling D1A club rugby programs in the country.

UCSC Rugby competes weekly against varsity powerhouses while maintaining a gritty, athlete-led culture rooted in accountability, adaptability, and academic excellence. The discussion covers the program’s identity, recruiting standards, and long-term development model for student-athletes.

What it means to compete at the D1A level as a club program

The “Skill, Systems, Mindset” coaching philosophy and how it develops versatile, decision-making players

How UCSC supports late-entry rugby athletes and long-term development

The impact of the Black and Gold Society, UCSC Rugby’s alumni network providing funding and career mentorship

Academic and rugby expectations for prospective student-athletes (3.5+ GPA, 16–20 hrs/week rugby commitment)

Positions currently being recruited for D1A competition

Former Slug Jackson Zabierek shares how UCSC helped him transition from a high-school football player into a complete rugby athlete, ultimately reaching Major League Rugby with the Chicago Hounds.

Prospective players are encouraged to:

Create a profile on Next Phase Rugby

Email UCSC Rugby staff with “Rugby” in the subject line

Visit slugrugby.com

This episode is a must-listen for high-academic student-athletes, parents, coaches, and alumni interested in collegiate rugby pathways and sustainable program building.

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What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1. Inside Syracuse’s High-Performance Rugby Environment

How Syracuse evolved from a participation-focused club to a performance-level program in about two years.

Overview of facilities: dedicated rugby field with lights, on-site weight room, and a full-time strength & conditioning coach.

The role of nutrition, mental skills, and off-field development in their weekly rhythm.

2. The Leinster Rugby Partnership

Origin story: how Syracuse alumni connections led to a relationship with Leinster Rugby.

What Leinster brings: coaching clinics, a player development framework, and a model for building homegrown talent.

How the partnership shapes training design, standards, and long-term pathways for Syracuse players.

3. Program Structure and Player Experience

Weekly load:

5 practices per week (around 2 hours per session)

2 dedicated weight-lifting sessions

How coaches support players in balancing academics with rugby (class schedules, communication, and accountability).

What it looks like for different levels of experience:

Brand-new players finding their footing

Established college players looking to grow

MLR and national team prospects seeking a performance environment

4. Team Culture and Standards

The values that drive behavior on and off the field.

How player accountability shows up: attendance, standards, and peer leadership.

The shift from “show up and play” to “compete, improve, and own your development.”

5. Pathways, Community, and Giving Back

Syracuse fields three men’s sides and one women’s side, creating playing opportunities for roughly 60–70 athletes.

Youth and community outreach:

Camps reaching 400+ kids

Coaching education for 135+ youth coaches

Why community involvement matters for player growth and program sustainability.

6. Recruiting and How NorCal Players Can Get Involved

What Syracuse is looking for in recruits:

Motivation and willingness to compete

Coachability and growth mindset

Fit with the team’s culture and values

The range of academic majors represented and how the team functions as an academic support network.

Practical next steps for interested players from Northern California.

Who This Episode Is For

High school players who want a serious rugby environment with strong academic support.

Parents and coaches in Northern California helping athletes explore college options.

Club and high school coaches curious about how a college program builds culture and performance standards.

How to Learn More / Get Recruited

Program Info: Visit Syracuse University Rugby’s website for roster, schedule, and program details.

Recruiting Contact:

Colin O’Hare – Leinster Rugby / Syracuse partnership contact

Email: Colin.OHare@leinsterrugby.ie (as shared on the episode)

Next Steps for Interested Players:

Listen to the full episode to hear exactly what the staff is looking for.

Reach out with your rugby background, academic interests, and highlight film if available.

Consider attending Leinster/Syracuse camps or clinics to experience the environment firsthand.

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Western Washington Rugby operates a high performance D1AA program that mirrors a varsity-style experience. With daily training, film study, and strength work, the program prepares players for top-level domestic and Canadian competition. Head coach Adam Roberts leads a strong staff and an alumni-supported infrastructure that elevates both on-field development and off-field growth.

Adam Roberts is in his first full year as a paid head coach after years of volunteer involvement

Coaching staff includes former national team coaches and former high-level players

Strong alumni network and university support help sustain program growth

Players benefit from stipends, resources, and access to quality facilities

Daily schedule includes field sessions, gym work, film review, and recovery

Coaches push players to think clearly under pressure and understand tactical systems

Players speak to a major jump in fitness demands from high school to WWU

Academic support, study groups, and accountability structures are built into the program

Regular matches against leading Canadian universities such as UBC and Victoria

Full conference schedule across the Pacific Northwest

Bi-annual international tours, with upcoming travel planned for Ireland and England

Working to increase games against top D1A programs like Cal, Saint Mary’s, and Arizona

Team plays one of the highest game counts in college rugby nationwide

Mental toughness and grit

Work ethic and daily accountability

Versatility across multiple positions

Players who push teammates while adding to a positive team culture

Staff encourages recruits to join calls, ask questions, and explore fit

Professional environment with clear standards and expectations

Focus on long-term personal development, not only rugby performance

Commitment to academics and building habits that transfer beyond sport

Balance of hard work, competition, and genuine fun within the squad

Instagram: @WWRugby

Website: www.wwurugby.org

Coach Roberts open for Zoom conversations with interested recruits

Program conducts yearly recruiting trips into Northern and Southern California

Athletes encouraged to connect through the Next Phase Rugby platform

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