A letter from the President of the UCLA Rugby Alumni Association

UCLA Rugby Alum, 

You are part of one of the proudest traditions in college sports, UCLA Rugby.  National Champions, US Eagles, Olympians and Collegiate All- Americans have all taken the pitch as Bruins.  However, we all know in our beautiful game we are strongest when we all stand strong together and all do our part in team success. My name is Russ Ortiz (’88) and lead the UCLA Rugby Alumni Association.  I wanted to share our NEXT LEVEL campaign that is about to kick-off. I hope you will partner with us in support of the current Bruin team. 

Why NEXT LEVEL?  Over the last four decades UCLA Rugby has been up and down with very little sustained success.  However, the last five years the program has established itself as a consistently strong club, regularly ranked in the US College D1A Top 25 (#15 in 2019-2020).  Under the new leadership of Coach Dave Clancy, we want to go from a consistent Top 25 program to being one of the nation’s elite Rugby programs, consistently competing for National Championships while building men of the finest character.  We believe our NEXT LEVEL campaign will be the fuel to power that success.  But we need your help.  

UCLA Rugby does not receive financial support from the University and is 100% self-funded.  The NEXT LEVEL campaign is laser focused on proving the tools to consistently compete and beat perennial College Rugby Elites such as Life, St. Mary's and the dreaded Cal Bears.  The UCLA Rugby Alumni Association would like to partner with you to assist in supporting the men of UCLA Rugby.  The program has many needs we aim to fill to compete at the highest level.  This  includes dedicated specialty coaching, international and domestic recruiting efforts, elite training equipment and the funding of need-based scholarships that will ensure that no player able to contribute on the pitch will be turned away because of lack of financial ability.  With your support, no Bruin will be left behind. I have one question, can we count on you to click the button below and take action to support the UCLA Rugby family that you will always be a part of?  I know these are uncertain times but you can make a difference for the players that are following in your footsteps.  All donations pass through the UCLA  Foundation and are tax deductible.  

Russ Ortiz ('88)

President UCLA Rugby Alumni Association

PS. If you want to chat or receive more information, please drop me a note at russ@uclarugbyalumni.com.  Or reach out to our Finance Committee Chairman Aaron Elman at aaronelman@gmail.com.