history
Established in 1888, our rugby program has a long and distinguished history at Saint Mary's College and around the world. The values of tradition, honor, and fraternity continue, for they are the principles on which the club was founded. Rugby is more than just a game played on a pitch--it is a game of elegant violence, where sportsmanship on and off of the field, is held in the highest esteem.
The Saint Mary's College rugby team has played in many renowned matches beginning in 1913 with their efforts versus the All Blacks of New Zealand. Newspaper articles document the respect the All Black players showed the players from Saint Mary's after the hard fought match. Just before the resurgence of football in 1915 Saint Mary's captain, and All american Lou Guisto (The same gentlemen our baseball field is named after) led the All american team to victory over the visiting all star team from England.
Pat Vincent, 1956 captain of the All Blacks, coached the Saint Mary's rugby teams from 1968 until his unfortunate passing in 1983. The successes of Saint Mary's rugby in recent decades is a direct result of Pat Vincent's commitment to the program, and the growth that he generated during his tenure.
Saint Mary's College rugby competitions are governed by the United States of america Rugby Football Union. We compete in the Northern California Rugby Football Union, seen by most as the strongest collegiate league in the country. With victories against Cal Berkeley and Stanford in the recent past coupled with last years visit to the sweet 16, it is understandable our nationally ranked program is so respected.
Throughout the years, several individuals have brought prestige to the Gaels by receiving national honors on the United States National Rugby Team. These individuals include: Brad Andrews '71, Greg Schneeweis '71, Mike Fanucchi '73, Gerry Kelleher '74, Eric Whitaker '88, Tom Short '89, and Jon Hinken '92.
