"With the help of Crimson, I'm now a rugby player at Cal Berkeley." - Thomas
Premier Division I varsity program known for its commitment to rugby excellence. Features dedicated rugby facilities including the Marra Athletics Complex with specialized training areas. Under head coach Tui Osborne, the program has become one of the top varsity programs in the country. The team's comprehensive approach includes advanced performance analytics, specialized strength and conditioning programs, and full-time coaching staff. Notable alumni include Alejandro Flores, who went on to play professionally in Major League Rugby. The program offers significant scholarship opportunities and has consistently produced players for the USA Rugby collegiate all-American teams.
Historic powerhouse program with 33 national championships in 15s rugby since 1980. Features Witter Rugby Field, a dedicated rugby-specific stadium with professional facilities. Under legendary head coach Jack Clark, who has led the program since 1984, Cal has produced numerous USA Eagles including Danny Barrett, Blaine Scully, and Louis Stanfill. Cal rugby alumni have gone on to successful professional careers in both 15s and 7s, including recent MLR players like Andrew Battaglia and Sam Cusano. The program is particularly known for its intense training culture and high academic standards, consistently maintaining one of the highest team GPAs in collegiate rugby.
Leading varsity program known for its exceptional development of both domestic and international talent. Features dedicated rugby facilities and comprehensive strength and conditioning program. The program has won multiple collegiate championships and regularly competes at the highest level. Notable alumni include Ben O'Donnell, who went on to represent Australia in 7s. The program offers significant scholarship opportunities and has a strong track record of developing professional players.
Historic program with a strong tradition of rugby excellence. Features state-of-the-art facilities and a comprehensive development program. The program combines military discipline with athletic excellence, producing numerous USA Eagles players. Notable alumni include Andrew Locke, who represented the USA national team. The program consistently ranks among the top teams in the country and offers a unique pathway combining military service with high-level rugby.
Jonny came to Crimson Athletics with ambitions of moving from NZ to the US as a rugby player. With the help of our strategists, he happily found a spot on the St Bonaventure team.
Important timeline points: Junior year: Begin coach contact Summer before senior year: Attend camps September 1st of junior year: Official recruitment begins November of senior year: Early signing period April of senior year: Regular signing period
Common assessments: Bronco test Yo-Yo test 40m sprint Bench press Squat Clean Vertical jump Agility testing (5-10-5) Position-specific skill tests Body composition analysis
Coaches typically prioritize: Level of competition faced Success in major tournaments All-Star or representative team selection Year-round playing experience Quality of coaching received Leadership roles held
Varsity Programs: Full-time coaching staff Dedicated facilities Scholarship availability Structured training environment Regular competition schedule Athletic department support Club Programs: Often student-led with part-time coaches Shared facilities Limited funding More flexible schedule Can still compete at high level Usually self-funded
We provide: Skills assessment and development planning Direct coach connections Tournament schedule optimization Video profile creation Academic planning Scholarship negotiation Eligibility compliance guidance Campus visit coordination International player transition support
Consider: Program competitive level and history Coaching staff expertise and style Training facilities quality Team culture and playing philosophy Academic program strength Scholarship package details Competition schedule Professional pathway opportunities Playing time potential Location and climate considerations
For top academic institutions: GPA: 3.5+ (unweighted) SAT: 1300+ ACT: 28+ Varsity program minimum requirements: GPA: 2.3+ SAT: 980+ ACT: 18+
Scholarship structures vary by program: Varsity programs: Can offer up to full tuition Most athletes receive partial scholarships (25-75%) Women's NCAA programs have more scholarship funding available Some programs offer academic/athletic combination scholarships Programs typically split scholarships among 20-30 players
Yes, with these requirements: Eligibility clearance documentation Academic records evaluation English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) Playing history verification Valid student visa National union clearance if applicable
Focus on: Full game footage from high-level matches Highlight reel of key plays (2-3 minutes) Position-specific skills demonstration Fitness testing results Leadership moments during games Tackling technique from multiple angles Ball handling and passing accuracy Kicking ability (if applicable)
Standards vary by position and program level: Props/Locks: Bench Press: 275+ lbs Squat: 385+ lbs Height: 6'0"+ typically Weight: 220+ lbs 40m sprint: Sub 5.4s Back Row: Bench Press: 245+ lbs Squat: 365+ lbs Height: 5'11"+ Weight: 200-220 lbs 40m sprint: Sub 5.2s Centers/Wings: Bench Press: 225+ lbs Squat: 315+ lbs Height: 5'10"+ Weight: 180-200 lbs 40m sprint: Sub 4.9s Scrumhalf/Flyhalf: Bench Press: 185+ lbs Squat: 275+ lbs Weight: 165-185 lbs 40m sprint: Sub 5.0s Kicking accuracy: 80%+
All student-athletes must evaluate their candidacy against their college goals. Identify gaps in your profile, and start buidlling your gameplan. For some candidates, the plan will revolve all about sport recruitment (athlete-first). For others, we take a comprehensive and combined approach to US college admissions, working on both academic and athletic fronts (scholar-athlete).
Map out key recruitment deadlines, showcase events and application milestones up to three or four years out. Strategic timing is crucial - great recruits take time to ensure quality across video creation, testing, interviews, and visits.
Navigate NCAA eligibility while building an academic profile that appeals to your target schools. Smart course selection, standardized test planning, and understanding school-specific pre-requisites can make the key difference in recruitment.
Develop a compelling athletic narrative through carefully selected footage, performance metrics, and achievement highlights. Presentation matters - coaches receive hundreds of profiles, and often don't know international systems.
Execute a targeted outreach strategy that gets noticed by the right programs. Timing, communication, and understanding each program's needs are essential. Building meaningful connections takes time and consistency.
College soccer has changed to the point where serious programs need to see you in real-life. So, maximize every interaction - from showcase events to campus visits and coach meetings. These moments determine your outcomes.
Balance athletic fit, academic opportunity, and program culture to make an informed decision. Consider playing time potential, scholarship, and development. Your choice shapes not just four years, but your future.
With offers in hand, you can select your best-fit college. Most recruits apply in the early round and sign the National Letter of Intent.
Typically, you’ll receive a final decision by December of your application year!
Need Support? Speak to Our Team!
Dan
UC Berkeley • Rugby
"We had eight schools come back to us overnight after my player profile was sent out to coaches - and that was places I never would have dreamed of, like Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth and obviously Berkeley."
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