Rugby is traditionally a club sport, which doesn't necessarily translate to the US where sports are tied to the educational hierarchy. That being said, I don't think UBC players are pros. UBC has become THE feeder school to the Canadian national team.
There were only three championships held in the past five years. Cal lost in the championship final in two of those years and the semifinal last year. Like I mentioned, the increase of school sponsored "Varsity" rugby programs is good for the sport but bring about more parity. One can also argue that Life University, which defeated Cal twice in the championship final, took a shortcut by offering scholarships (and a chiropractor degree because that's what they do) to some mid-20 years old international semi-pro players (which also does help them have better home grown players). In the past, only BYU and their older team (many had spent the two years doing missionary works) gave Cal trouble.
waitwut when and why did UBC stop playing Cal and pick up SMC instead?
Rugby is traditionally a club sport, which doesn't necessarily translate to the US where sports are tied to the educational hierarchy. That being said, I don't think UBC players are pros. UBC has become THE feeder school to the Canadian national team.
Go!
Bears!
There were only three championships held in the past five years. Cal lost in the championship final in two of those years and the semifinal last year. Like I mentioned, the increase of school sponsored "Varsity" rugby programs is good for the sport but bring about more parity. One can also argue that Life University, which defeated Cal twice in the championship final, took a shortcut by offering scholarships (and a chiropractor degree because that's what they do) to some mid-20 years old international semi-pro players (which also does help them have better home grown players). In the past, only BYU and their older team (many had spent the two years doing missionary works) gave Cal trouble.
Life is to university as Prager is to university.
Doubtful. I don't see additional sports being sanctioned by the NCAA unless they can generate revenue, and simply by format rugby does not.