Why Choose Western Washington University

One Of The Best Colleges In The West

Consider the following when making your college decision and remember:  You may be coming here to play rugby in one of the best programs on the west coast, but in the end, it is the education you take with you through the rest of your life…after your rugby career is over…that will get you to your life’s aspirations and goals.

1.

Western is the highest ranking public, Master’s-granting university in the Pacific Northwest according to Kiplinger’s Magazine.

2.

Western Washington University's ranked number 16 in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West. And don’t forget that the West is every state in the West including Texas and Oklahoma.

3.

Western is ranked in the top 25 of the US News and World Report Rankings in the “A-plus Schools for B Students“.  Where students “have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving – where spirit and hard work could make all the difference…” This is in keeping with a strong focus at Western on being a collaborative campus community where students can achieve aspirations while developing interests and talents.

4.

US News and World report updated report on colleges that are the best value… Read the article now: US News

Match all of the rankings with an incomparable setting in one of the great parts of the world and a world class rugby program and you pretty much have it all.

We’ll Help You Become the Best Rugby Player You Can Be.

This is an exciting time in Western Washington University (WWU) Men’s Rugby program, and we want you to be a part of it…  Are you up for the challenge of taking the WWU Rugby program to the next level? Are you willing to put in the work to become a champion?
In the 2012-13 season WWU’s 7’s team finished 13th in the Nationals.
In the 2012-13 season, the 15’s team went to the National Championship’s Final Four.
In 2015 the team made it to the USA Rugby D1-AA National Quarterfinals in Davis, CA.
WWU Rugby is a student run organization with support from WWU Campus Rec Department and with coaching support provided by the Western Rugby Alumni organization.
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Our Goals

In June, 2012, the Western Rugby Alumni Association was formed to help take the program to the next level. The immediate goals set as follows:

1.

Make the WWU program an attractive option for high school rugby players throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, and, as an elite option and a pathway to the Olympics.

2.

Secure excellent coaching for all levels of the program.

3.

Bring aboard people who have strong organization and management skills to help with the running of the program.

4.

Secure enough financial backing to fund the program and exhibit fiscal responsibility.
All four of the above goals are at or near completion and Western Men’s Rugby Alumni is in the process of accomplishing Number 4 on the goals list. We have had a tremendous response from alumni and friends of WWU Rugby and will continue to get people involved.
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Consider These Factors When Thinking About Your Choice of Schools

We invite you to go to WWU’s website and explore further what this great school and fabulous region have to offer. Click on this link:  http://www.wwu.edu

1.

You will get a quality education – WWU ranked 17th in the latest US News Regional Public Universities (West) category (here is the link to those rankings), a region that includes the thirteen states of the West and stretches from Texas and Oklahoma to the Pacific. Central Washington, by comparison, sits at #48 in the rankings.  The many degree programs offered by WWU will satisfy the needs of every student who chooses WWU.

2.

WWU is located on a stunning 215 acre campus in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, Bellingham, Washington.  Bellingham is the gateway to the San Juan Islands (all 192 of them) and is 90 miles north of Seattle.  WWU is also only 55 miles south of one of the great cities in North America, Vancouver, British Columbia.  Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, host to a stop on the World Rugby 7’s, and the recreational opportunities in this corner of the world are unlimited.

3.

WWU is located in one of the hotbeds for rugby in North America. The best rugby in Canada (and maybe on the Pacific Coast) is played in British Columbia so coming to WWU will give you the opportunity to play and learn from the best.  The Chuckanut Bay Youth Program has produced numerous national level players in all age groups.

4.

Western's Harrington Field provides one of the best full size rugby fields and facilities on the west coast.

Rugby Scholarships Opportunities

Washington Rugby Alumni Scholarship

$2,000 awarded to two student athletes currently enrolled in their freshman year at WWU.
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Preston Worth Rugby Scholarship

Three $1,000 scholarships for three students per quarter for three quarters.
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Don Burgess International Scholarship

$15,930 awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athlete.
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Alan Banwell Referee Scholarship

$1,000 annual scholarship to cover expenses in certification. Funds may be available to cover expenses for education, and/or travel.
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The Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship

Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
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Paul Horne Out of State Resident Scholarship

Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
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Rugby Scholarships Opportunities

Washington Rugby Alumni Scholarship

$2,000 awarded to two student athletes currently enrolled in their freshman year at WWU.
Learn More

Preston Worth Rugby Scholarship

Three $1,000 scholarships for three students per quarter for three quarters.
Learn More

Don Burgess International Scholarship

$15,930 awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athlete.
Learn More

Alan Banwell Referee Scholarship

$1,000 annual scholarship to cover expenses in certification. Funds may be available to cover expenses for education, and/or travel.
Learn More

The Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship

Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
Learn More

Paul Horne Out of State Resident Scholarship

Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
Learn More

Online Application and Scholarship Opportunities

Apply now

Students interested in attending Western and playing rugby are encouraged to complete the application process early.  Although the deadline for application for admission January 31, the earlier you complete the process the better since housing choices are dependent on when you submitted your application.

We can’t encourage you strongly enough to apply for each and every scholarship and grant that is available either through your high school counseling office, scholarship search sites, and the universities to which you applied.

During the application process to Western you will come across several scholarship opportunities… apply for all that you qualify for.

We would also encourage you to make use of your high school guidance counselors during this time as they are very experienced in making this sometimes confusing process easier for you.  Your counselors are eager to help you succeed…use their knowledge and expertise.

If you need to call Financial Aid you can do so by dialing:  360 650 3470

Why Play for WWU?

Rugby is a team sport that is played with passion and respect. We work hard to foster camaraderie and leadership to create a welcoming environment for all players.

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