Established in 1888, the Saint Mary’s Men’s Rugby team is recognized as one of the most elite collegiate rugby teams in the United States. Led by Coach Tim O’Brien, the Gaels have found their way to numerous national championship appearances in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024 with victories in 2014, 2015, 2016 (7s) 2017, and the most recent national championship in 2024. Along with being a team of hard workers, the men’s rugby team is an extremely close-knit group, fostering comradery from our newest players to our oldest returners.
This year the Gaels look to return to the National Championship match in May once again and come away with the title of back-to-back national champions. With the season well underway, the Gaels have put in many hours of hard work, both on the field and in the classroom, to make this goal a reality. So far this season, the Gaels have tallied great wins versus San Diego State, San Jose State, UC Santa Cruz, Long Beach State, and UC Santa Barbara, and as a result hold the #3 spot in the Goff Rugby Report D1A College Rankings (November 2024). With one more competition left in the calendar year, the Gaels look to continue their winning ways before a brief break for the holidays.
The money that we raise from this campaign will be put directly into the operations of the program, which supports player development, travel, injury care and prevention, and equipment for the players. Everything from buses and flights to tape, rugby balls, and practice equipment, every dollar goes directly back to helping us achieve our goal of winning a national title!
