Rugby Scholarship Opportunities
Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship
Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
About
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.
Overview
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.
The Process
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Timeline
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
Who's Eligible
One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually.
High School Senior
$7,500
2.5 / 4.0
1
August 31st, 2024
Don Burgess International Scholarship
$15,000 awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athlete.
About
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.
Overview
$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.
The Process
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Timeline
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
Who's Eligible
One international student with an elite background in rugby, residing outside the US will be awarded this scholarship annually.
High School Senior
$15,000
2.5 / 4.0
1
August 31st, 2024
Preston Worth Rugby Scholarship
Three $1,000 scholarships for three students per quarter for three quarters.
About
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.
Overview
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.
The Process
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Timeline
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
Who's Eligible
All US resident HS students who have been accepted to Western Washington University and are committed to WWU Men’s Rugby Program.
High School Senior
$1,000
2.5 / 4.0
3
August 31st, 2024
Western Rugby Alumni Scholarship
Two $2,000 awarded to two student athletes enrolled in their freshman year at WWU.
About
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.
Overview
$2,000 awarded to two student athletes enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year at WWU.
The Process
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.
Timeline
Applications open Spring quarter, awarded during Spring quarter of the following year, and can be applied to the following Fall quarter.
Who's Eligible
Members in good standing on the Men’s Rugby team are eligible to apply during the Spring quarter of their Freshman year.
High School Senior
$2,000
2.5 / 4.0
2
August 31st, 2024
Paul Horne Out of State Scholarship
Up to $7,500 scholarship awarded evenly across Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters for the selected student athletes.
About
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.
Overview
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.
The Process
Student athletes must submit a letter of application to the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA).
Timeline
Scholarship applications must be completed in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment.
Who's Eligible
One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually.
High School Senior
$7,500
2.5 / 4.0
1
August 31st, 2024
Alan Banwell Referee Scholarship
Four $250 stipends available to interested applicants looking to enroll in USA referee certification courses.
About
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.
Overview
Four $250 stipends available to interested applicants looking to enroll in USA referee certification courses.
The Process
Student may request this scholarship by contacting the WRA directly at WWUrugby.org.
Timeline
Available year-round.
Who's Eligible
WWU students and alumni interested in pursuing/upgrading their rugby referee certification.
High School Senior
$250
2.5 / 4.0
4
August 31st, 2024
Scholarship recipients
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I’m Interested
Please fill out the form as completely as possible. Your submission will be forwarded to Director of Rugby and Head Coach.
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