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, and 2022 with victories in 2014, 2015, 2016 (7s) and 2017. 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 in Houston and come away with a title. 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 top programs like University of Arizona, UCLA, and Central Washington, and as a result hold the #4 spot in the CRAA Power Rankings (February 2024). With three more regular season competitions left on the schedule, the Gaels look to continue their winning ways while coming together as one unit in preparation for what we hope is a long post season run.
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!
Mike O'Brien Endowment
Last year we lost a Gael’s Gael when Mike “O’B” O’Brien (SMC ’74) lost his battle with cancer. Mike lived his entire life with great passion in everything he did, whether as father, brother, teammate, or friend. His dedication to St Mary’s Rugby in particular, both as a standout side row in his playing days, and a staunch supporter of the program in the years that followed, exemplified the spirit with which he lived.
To honor Mike’s devotion to St Mary’s Rugby and to support a St Mary’s rugby player in need of financial support, St Mary’s College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Michael O’Brien Endowed Rugby Scholarship. The annual award will go to the SMC side row player who best exemplifies Mike’s passion and dedication, both to SMC Rugby and to the life they live outside of it.
Thanks to our lead donors and friends, the fund now sits at over $40,000 toward our goal of $100,000. In advance of your participation, and for those who have already contributed, we thank you for your support of this ongoing effort.
How Can YOU Get Involved?
In the spirit of friendly rugby competition, and to continue with the tradition of the spring campaign, it's time to see which decade of Gael Rugby can support the program the best. Whether you're from the 1950s, 1980s, or the 2010s, we want your decade to BRING IT to meet the following challenges.
- Highest amount of donors involved
- Most money raised
- Largest matched donation
Winners will be recognized on the team's website and the weekly newsletter. Donors that contribute $100 or more will receive a beer token that you can use at a Men's Rugby home game. Donors that contribute $1000 or more will also receive an invitation to the annual donor dinner at The Preserve in Winters, CA.
On behalf of the Saint Mary's College Men's Rugby program, thank you so much for your support.
Please continue to share the campaign with your friends and family members and help us reach our ambitious goal. Online gifts need to be made no later than 11:59 PM PDT on June 30th to be included in this campaign.
If you're mailing a check, please be sure it is postmarked no later than June 30th.
Where do I mail a check?
Mail a check made payable to "Saint Mary’s College" to:
Advancement Office
1928 St. Mary's Road
PMB 4300
Moraga, CA 94575-4300
Note: Men's Rugby Spring Campaign
Read more about our National Champions!
The National Championship trophy may have arrived in Moraga, but we will continue to pursue greatness.
Gael Rugby Nation,
Your support has helped bring us here, but it's not over yet! We want to close this year's Spring Campaign strong! 
You KNOW the power of generosity - Your gift provides critical services to our athletes leading them to success time and time again!
Please continue to share the campaign and advocate for Men's Rugby this spring!
After another great win against the storied rugby program of UC Berkeley in the CRAA D1A quarterfinals, it all comes down to this! In what has already been a historic season, the Gaels will compete for the last time this season in the West Region and take on the #3 seeded Cougars of BYU.
The #1 ranked Gaels traveled to Provo, Utah back in March for a non-conference competition, beating the Cougars by a score of 38-21. However, the Cougars have had impressive wins this season against some of the top teams in the nation, including Cal, UCLA, and, most recently, the upset of the #2 ranked Wildcats of Central Washington University in the quarterfinals of the CRAA D1A 2024 playoffs.
The winner of this weekend's match earns the honor of competing in the College Rugby Association of America D1A National Championship match on May 4 in Houston, Texas. An anonymous donor has just agreed to match your donation to Men's Rugby dollar for dollar up to $25,000 dollars! Make your gift now before our campaign closes at 7pm PDT tonight! Go Gaels!!
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