Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
Jeff is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He played for the USA Eagles National team, and managed the 1987 USA World Cup team. Jeff was inducted in the US Rugby Foundation Hall of Fame in 2015. He is a founding member of the WWU Rugby Alumni Association.
Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student-athletes. This scholarship is reviewed after each quarter and is dependent on the student's academic standing and their ability to maintain a high performance on the field.
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually.
$15,000 awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athlete.
Don Burgess’ lifetime career in rugby on Vancouver Island showcased his skills as a stunning player and brilliant coach. His rugby magic brought success to the teams he played with or coached, and earned him headlines in the British press, such as “Burgess Superb” and “Brilliant Burgess.”
Don came to Western Washington State College in 1957 on a track scholarship. He held the mile record for many years and was instrumental in getting the game of rugby on campus. He became a lifelong supporter of rugby at WWU until his passing in 2018 at the age of 85.
$15,000 awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student-athlete. This scholarship is reviewed after each quarter and is dependent on student's academic standing and their ability to maintain a high performance on the field.
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
One international student with an elite background in rugby, residing outside the US will be awarded this scholarship annually.
Three $1,000 scholarships for three students per quarter for three quarters.
The Bellingham Rugby Community lost Preston Rick Worth in 2020. They lost a teammate, a good friend, a Rugby supporter, and a wonderful man. Preston grew up in Longview Washington and enrolled at Western in 1972 after serving his country as a US Marine in Vietnam.
Preston played for WWSC in the early seventies, earning the respect and admiration of teammates and those that played against him. He was a gifted athlete who demonstrated integrity on and off the field. Preston became a generous supporter of the Western Washington Rugby program. This scholarship made available by the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA) through generous donations from former teammates, alumni, friends and family.
Three $1,000 scholarships for three students per quarter for three quarters. This award is a one-time offer. If you accept it once, you only get it for that one year.
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
All US resident HS students who have been accepted to Western Washington University and are committed to WWU Men’s Rugby Program.
Two $2,000 awarded to two student athletes enrolled in their freshman year at WWU.
The Western Rugby Alumni Scholarship is given to students through the WWU’s financial aid office. To learn more and to submit a scholarship application go to the financial aid office. Students must write a letter, submit a current FAFSA form, and must be in good standing with the university. This scholarship is funded by Western Rugby Alumni and its supporters and only exists if the alumni continue to raise funds.
$2,000 awarded to two student athletes enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year at WWU.
Student must contact WWU’s financial aid office to learn more and to submit a scholarship application. Students must write a letter, submit a current FAFSA form, and must be in good standing with the university.
Applications open Spring quarter, awarded during Spring quarter of the following year, and can be applied to the following Fall quarter.
Members in good standing on the Men’s Rugby team are eligible to apply during the Spring quarter of their Freshman year.
Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
Paul is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He has enjoyed extensive coaching in British Columbia including Canadian National Men’s team. Paul was inducted in the British Columbia Hall of Fame in 2015. Currently the Director of Rugby at WWU.
Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student-athletes. This scholarship is reviewed after each quarter and is dependent on the student's academic standing and their ability to maintain a high performance on the field.
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually.
Four $250 stipends available to interested applicants looking to enroll in USA referee certification courses.
Allan Banwell was a top-rated referee from Canada. He became a friend of the Bellingham rugby community starting in the late 1960s. He regularly volunteered to travel south from Vancouver to officiate matches for Western Washington State College (WWU) and Chuckanut Bay. There was never any doubt about who was in charge of the match when Mr. Banwell blew the whistle. He had a wonderful, calm demeanor on the field that earned the respect of all players and coaches.
In respect of his service to the game, a scholarship in his honor has been established. The intent is to provide financial help and encouragement to players who wish to be certified as a referee.
Four $250 stipends available to interested applicants looking to enroll in USA referee certification courses.
Student may request this scholarship by contacting the WRA directly at WWUrugby.org.
Available year-round.
WWU students and alumni interested in pursuing/upgrading their rugby referee certification.
Rugby became Jack Martin's calling from the moment he first picked up the egg-shaped ball at age 4 for his local English club, Leigh RUFC. Throughout his youth, he immersed himself in the sport's cultures and traditions.
At St. Mary's Catholic High School, Martin balanced rugby league for the institution with rugby union for his club. His talents opened doors to prestigious representative teams like the Wigan Warriors, Irish Exiles, Sale Sharks Academy and his county's squads which he captained at U17 and U20 levels.
"Rugby has been one of the most important things in my life. I have learned so much not only on the field, but off the field too," said Martin. "It has taught me respect, sportsmanship, teamwork and many other things which will undoubtedly help me in any future roles."
Rugby provided worldwide travel opportunities and lifelong friendships. Now, the sport has brought Martin to Western Washington University from Manchester Metropolitan on an exchange program.
At Western, he thrived at outside center by engaging defenses and feeding the team's dynamic wingers. As he completes his law degree and final rugby season at Manchester, Martin hopes to elevate his game.
"Going forward, I will continue to play rugby and hopefully progress to a higher level, whether in the UK, US or Australia" he said.
Jacopo came to us from Vasari Arezzo Rugby Club in Italy.
For Max Stone, rugby was the pivotal driving force behind his well-rounded pursuits at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. While he founded the chess club, participated in Model UN, captained the rugby and soccer teams, joined the curling squad, and coached junior soccer in secondary school, it was the values and relationships cultivated through rugby that left an indelible mark.
"Rugby has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today," Stone stated. "Through the sport, I have made countless invaluable connections and lifelong friends. It has made me the person I am today and taught me so much about leadership."
Stone's rugby journey began in 8th grade before continuing with Bayside Sharks RFC and the BC 7s representative program. His talents earned him the opportunity to play collegiately at Western Washington University.
On the pitch at Western, he embraced a strategic role, splitting time between fly-half and scrum-half positions.
"I am a good fit in those spots because I enjoy thinking strategically about the game and have a good foot," Stone explained.
As he looks ahead to law school in August 2024, Stone plans to transition towards coaching to maintain his connection to the community that helped shape him.
For Max Stone, rugby was the pivotal driving force behind his well-rounded pursuits at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. While he founded the chess club, participated in Model UN, captained the rugby and soccer teams, joined the curling squad, and coached junior soccer in secondary school, it was the values and relationships cultivated through rugby that left an indelible mark.
"Rugby has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today," Stone stated. "Through the sport, I have made countless invaluable connections and lifelong friends. It has made me the person I am today and taught me so much about leadership."
Stone's rugby journey began in 8th grade before continuing with Bayside Sharks RFC and the BC 7s representative program. His talents earned him the opportunity to play collegiately at Western Washington University.
On the pitch at Western, he embraced a strategic role, splitting time between fly-half and scrum-half positions.
"I am a good fit in those spots because I enjoy thinking strategically about the game and have a good foot," Stone explained.
As he looks ahead to law school in August 2024, Stone plans to transition towards coaching to maintain his connection to the community that helped shape him.
For Max Stone, rugby was the pivotal driving force behind his well-rounded pursuits at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. While he founded the chess club, participated in Model UN, captained the rugby and soccer teams, joined the curling squad, and coached junior soccer in secondary school, it was the values and relationships cultivated through rugby that left an indelible mark.
"Rugby has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today," Stone stated. "Through the sport, I have made countless invaluable connections and lifelong friends. It has made me the person I am today and taught me so much about leadership."
Stone's rugby journey began in 8th grade before continuing with Bayside Sharks RFC and the BC 7s representative program. His talents earned him the opportunity to play collegiately at Western Washington University.
On the pitch at Western, he embraced a strategic role, splitting time between fly-half and scrum-half positions.
"I am a good fit in those spots because I enjoy thinking strategically about the game and have a good foot," Stone explained.
As he looks ahead to law school in August 2024, Stone plans to transition towards coaching to maintain his connection to the community that helped shape him.
At just 8 years old, Ned O'Brien's competitive fire was ignited through rugby. Introduced to the sport by his best friend's father, a former player for New Mexico State, O'Brien quickly found his true athletic passion.
Throughout childhood, he primarily played scrumhalf on recreational teams. In his senior year of high school, O'Brien expanded his versatility to fullback, flanker, and hooker in 7s matches. At Western Washington University, he transitioned to wing, leveraging his agility, tackling prowess, and ball skills, though he envisions potentially shifting to center.
The mantra "Don't be okay with getting beat" motivated O'Brien to overcome an early aversion to contact, realizing it was crucial to reaching his full potential. "At a certain point, I figured it was part of the game I loved, and to be my best, I needed to get over this fear," he reflected. "This mindset has driven me through rugby and life's challenges."
Drawn by Western's renowned rugby program, beautiful campus, and proximity to his Mukilteo hometown, O'Brien has relished the team's brotherhood. Throughout high school, he played club soccer and football but never connected with those sports like rugby, which provided an escape and avenue for athletic growth among cherished teammates.
Looking ahead, O'Brien aims to become more explosive and versatile to make an impact at any position. Off the field, he's focused on academics while seeking wisdom from mentors. Fueled by rugby's perseverance and self-improvement values, O'Brien hopes to inspire the next generation as impactfully as those who sparked his lifelong passion.
Rugby has coursed through Harry Moore's veins since childhood. Introduced to the sport by his British parents at age 8, Moore grew up playing for the Eastside Tsunami club in Portland, Oregon. What began as "hardly rugby and more running around having fun in the mud" evolved into a lifelong passion.
"I couldn't imagine my life without rugby. It's the best game in the world and I love playing it so much," Moore said. "I have made lifelong friends because of rugby. To me, that surpasses sport. It's a massive part of my life."
At Grover Cleveland High School, academics took priority, but Moore also played basketball, futsal, wrestled and ran track. On the rugby pitch, he competed in 15s and 7s, even suiting up alongside his dad and brother at times.
After a heartbreaking one-point national semifinal loss last season at Western Washington University, Moore has laser focus: "Win a National Championship. Next year I hope to be captain and lead WWU to our first 15s title."
The 6'4" flanker revels in the physicality of the loose forward position. "I do well in lineouts stealing throws, tackling, and ball carrying. I also thrive in 2v2 or 3v3 situations because of my speed and passing ability from playing in the backline."
Off the field, Moore aims to secure his Environmental Studies major, purchase his mom's car, and eventually land his dream job in the field of environmental conservation back in Portland near family.
With championship aspirations, rugby IQ and lifetime of experiences shaping him, Moore is the ultimate student-athlete.
Joe Merlino found new purpose through rugby after years of football took a toll, leaving him with CTE-induced depression. Initially hesitant, Merlino saw an opportunity in rugby's strict rules against head contact. With his doctor's approval during his senior year, he joined the Camas Rugby Club and immediately embraced the competitive spirit and culture.
At Western Washington, Merlino has excelled with great teammates and coaches. "When you are a Viking, you stay a Viking for life. Go Viks!" The former high school co-captain of the rugby club aims to play professionally in Italy while pursuing a cybersecurity PhD.
"Rugby gave me a path to compete at the highest level and forge lifelong bonds," Merlino says. "It showed me a better way forward after the damage football did."
Product of the Chuckanut Bay youth program in Bellingham, Wa. Selected to the ACR All-American team for 2022/23 season. Kinesiology Major. Hometown is Bellingham Wa.
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Rugby has coursed through Harry Moore's veins since childhood. Introduced to the sport by his British parents at age 8, Moore grew up playing for the Eastside Tsunami club in Portland, Oregon. What began as "hardly rugby and more running around having fun in the mud" evolved into a lifelong passion.
"I couldn't imagine my life without rugby. It's the best game in the world and I love playing it so much," Moore said. "I have made lifelong friends because of rugby. To me, that surpasses sport. It's a massive part of my life."
At Grover Cleveland High School, academics took priority, but Moore also played basketball, futsal, wrestled and ran track. On the rugby pitch, he competed in 15s and 7s, even suiting up alongside his dad and brother at times.
After a heartbreaking one-point national semifinal loss last season at Western Washington University, Moore has laser focus: "Win a National Championship. Next year I hope to be captain and lead WWU to our first 15s title."
The 6'4" flanker revels in the physicality of the loose forward position. "I do well in lineouts stealing throws, tackling, and ball carrying. I also thrive in 2v2 or 3v3 situations because of my speed and passing ability from playing in the backline."
Off the field, Moore aims to secure his Environmental Studies major, purchase his mom's car, and eventually land his dream job in the field of environmental conservation back in Portland near family.
With championship aspirations, rugby IQ and lifetime of experiences shaping him, Moore is the ultimate student-athlete.
For Oliver Kelleher, the path to rugby was not a straight line. Inspired by his British mom, he tried the sport at age 11 but quickly declared he was done. It wasn't until high school that Kelleher rediscovered rugby through a friend on the Wrentham Barbarians club team. This time, he fell in love with the tight-knit community of teammates and coaches.
As a senior captain, Kelleher helped lead a successful season, showcasing his skills as a ball carrier and kicker. Though his junior year was cut short due to COVID-19, those shared practices deepened his passion.
Seeking a school with rugby, environmental science, and a fresh community, Kelleher toured Western Washington University (WWU). A shocking moment solidified his decision - witnessing a player suffer a seizure and cardiac arrest during a touch game.
"I was in shock, but saw how strong the rugby bond was during those terrifying minutes," Kelleher said. The player survived, and after meeting coaches and experiencing WWU's campus, Kelleher knew this was his destination.
Financial aid through the Paul Horne Scholarship allowed Kelleher to commit to Western. On the pitch, he started at fullback his freshman year before shifting to outside center. He credits the mentorship of an experienced captain for developing his all-around skills.
Off the field, WWU's program encourages scholastic and active lifestyles, allowing Kelleher to balance academics with skiing, friends and fun team bonding trips. Through rugby's ups and downs, he's found his passion, honing leadership skills with an elite competitive drive.
For Oliver Kelleher, the path to rugby was not a straight line. Inspired by his British mom, he tried the sport at age 11 but quickly declared he was done. It wasn't until high school that Kelleher rediscovered rugby through a friend on the Wrentham Barbarians club team. This time, he fell in love with the tight-knit community of teammates and coaches.
As a senior captain, Kelleher helped lead a successful season, showcasing his skills as a ball carrier and kicker. Though his junior year was cut short due to COVID-19, those shared practices deepened his passion.
Seeking a school with rugby, environmental science, and a fresh community, Kelleher toured Western Washington University (WWU). A shocking moment solidified his decision - witnessing a player suffer a seizure and cardiac arrest during a touch game.
"I was in shock, but saw how strong the rugby bond was during those terrifying minutes," Kelleher said. The player survived, and after meeting coaches and experiencing WWU's campus, Kelleher knew this was his destination.
Financial aid through the Paul Horne Scholarship allowed Kelleher to commit to Western. On the pitch, he started at fullback his freshman year before shifting to outside center. He credits the mentorship of an experienced captain for developing his all-around skills.
Off the field, WWU's program encourages scholastic and active lifestyles, allowing Kelleher to balance academics with skiing, friends and fun team bonding trips. Through rugby's ups and downs, he's found his passion, honing leadership skills with an elite competitive drive.
For Oliver Kelleher, the path to rugby was not a straight line. Inspired by his British mom, he tried the sport at age 11 but quickly declared he was done. It wasn't until high school that Kelleher rediscovered rugby through a friend on the Wrentham Barbarians club team. This time, he fell in love with the tight-knit community of teammates and coaches.
As a senior captain, Kelleher helped lead a successful season, showcasing his skills as a ball carrier and kicker. Though his junior year was cut short due to COVID-19, those shared practices deepened his passion.
Seeking a school with rugby, environmental science, and a fresh community, Kelleher toured Western Washington University (WWU). A shocking moment solidified his decision - witnessing a player suffer a seizure and cardiac arrest during a touch game.
"I was in shock, but saw how strong the rugby bond was during those terrifying minutes," Kelleher said. The player survived, and after meeting coaches and experiencing WWU's campus, Kelleher knew this was his destination.
Financial aid through the Paul Horne Scholarship allowed Kelleher to commit to Western. On the pitch, he started at fullback his freshman year before shifting to outside center. He credits the mentorship of an experienced captain for developing his all-around skills.
Off the field, WWU's program encourages scholastic and active lifestyles, allowing Kelleher to balance academics with skiing, friends and fun team bonding trips. Through rugby's ups and downs, he's found his passion, honing leadership skills with an elite competitive drive.
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