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Pepperdine | Community

Men's Rugby

Men playing rugby on Alumni Park

Club Overview

The Pepperdine Rugby Football Club has a storied tradition of more than 50 years at Pepperdine University, making it one of the University's oldest club sports.

Rugby - more popularly known as Rugby Union Football - is the original form of football (and the actual parent of American football, known in many parts of the world as "Gridiron.") Rugby Football was derived from what is more popularly known in the U.S. as Soccer. It began at Rugby School in 1823 when a young player named William Webb Ellis became frustrated with kicking the ball around on the ground and picked it up and ran it into goal. The next time he tried it, two of his opponents "tackled" him into the ground as he crossed the goal, and a great tradition began.

Today, rugby is the second most popular field sport in the world after soccer, and is played in every nation of the world. There are nearly 5,000 rugby clubs in the United States, nearly two thirds of those coming from U.S. colleges and universities, including several women's clubs.

The club team competes in the Gold Coast Conference Intercollegiate Rugby (GCCIR). Rugby is a two-season sport (fall and spring). The fall season in collegiate rugby is called the "pre-season" or non-cup season, while the spring season is a formalized season where games count in standings for a regional and national playoff played every April. 

Membership

Pepperdine Rugby enjoys a club roster of about 20 players. Pepperdine Rugby is a club by membership only, and new members are welcome! The club practices twice a week and also hosts team lifting sessions. Practices are led by the head coach and team leadership and are an important part of team membership. 

 

Season Schedule

  • February 11, 2023 (1 PM)
    • Pepperdine at Fullerton
  • February 18, 2023 (1 PM)
    • Pepperdine at Riverside
  • March 11, 2023 (1 PM)
    • Pepperdine at Occidental College
  • March 18, 2023 (1 PM)
    • PLNU at Pepperdine (Alumni Park)

 

Contact and Connect

Head Coach: 

Captains:

  • Gideon Lee
  • Ryan Bough

Social Media:

If you are interested in becoming a member or have any questions about the team, please contact our head coach or our Coordinator of Recreational Sports, Julian Baker at 310.506.6202. You can also connect directly with the team on Instagram.