Lucas Miners, University of Arkansas
Born into a rugby family, Lucas Miners began his rugby journey at 14 years old with the Little Rock Junior Stormers. Despite being younger than his competition, Miners never hesitated to compete, and following his first year, he dedicated himself to recruiting new players to build a competitive side while balancing his academic pursuits. During his high school career, Miners played primarily as scrum half but demonstrated versatility by also playing fly half, full back, and wing positions. He served as co-captain during his junior and senior years and actively helped grow the sport by recruiting other students during lunch hours and after school. Beyond the Junior Stormers, Miners competed with the Arkansas Junior Gryphons and the Arkansas Select Side combined team. While excelling in rugby, he maintained a remarkable 4.52 GPA at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, graduating eighth in his class of 284 students and earning Outstanding Scholarship Awards in English, Computer Science, and Engineering. Miners' active involvement extended to numerous activities including 4-H, livestock exhibitions, auto restoration, and basketball. Now playing for the University of Arkansas men's team, Miners made an immediate impact his freshman year, earning starts at multiple positions while majoring in Mechanical Engineering with plans to work in automotive or agricultural equipment development.
Rocco Pool, Saint Mary's College of California
Born into a rugby family with New Zealand heritage, Rocco Pool began his rugby journey at just four years old with the San Diego Mustangs. His father, who grew up playing rugby in New Zealand, introduced him to the sport that would become his passion. Pool's natural talent and dedication to improvement have made him a versatile player, excelling primarily at flyhalf and fullback positions. His rugby accomplishments include captaining the San Diego Mustangs U18 team to the National Championship and leading them to a fourth-place finish in his senior year, winning the California State Championship with Torrey Pines High School in his junior year, and training with the San Diego Legion Academy. Described by coaches as having exceptional skills, tactical awareness, and decision-making abilities, Pool has developed into a respected leader both on and off the field. While maintaining a 3.78 weighted GPA at Torrey Pines High School, he also played recreational soccer with friends during rugby's off-season. Pool has committed to Saint Mary's College, where he plans to pursue a degree in Accounting/Finance while continuing his rugby career with the nationally recognized Gaels program, with aspirations to become a U.S. Eagle and compete professionally in the MLR or beyond.
Dante Rivera, Cal Poly SLO
Discovering rugby late in his high school journey, Dante Rivera quickly transformed his natural athleticism and work ethic into rugby excellence. Rivera began playing during his junior year at Redwood High School after seeing the success of the Marin Highlanders and hearing about the sport from friends. Despite his late start, Rivera's dedication led him to earn a starting spot midway through his first season playing lock for the Highlanders' varsity squad, culminating in the Marin Highlanders Rookie of the Year honors. During his senior year, Rivera transitioned to tighthead prop and was recognized as Forward's Man of the Match against national powerhouse De La Salle, named captain of the forwards for the final game against the Danville Oaks, and awarded the prestigious Highlander of the Year honor for demonstrating leadership, character, work ethic, and embodying rugby's ethos. While maintaining a 3.78 GPA at Redwood High School, Rivera also played football for three years, ultimately earning second team all-league honors and selection to the Tri-County All-Star Game. Coming from a single-parent household, Rivera will continue his rugby career at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, pursuing a degree in business administration while playing for the Cal Poly Mustangs.
James Rose, Life University
Born into a rugby family, James Rose began his journey in the sport practically from birth, following in his father's footsteps. Starting with flag rugby through Green Bay youth rugby, Rose quickly fell in love with the game, progressing to middle school tackle and eventually captaining his high school team, the Leprechauns, for two years. Under his leadership, the team reached the state tournament for four consecutive years. Rose's exceptional skills led to numerous select-side opportunities, including captaining the Wisconsin Badger selects, competing with the Rebels in 7s tournaments where they won NAIs and Blood Fest, and representing Eagle Impact Rugby Academy (EIRA) in Spain for two consecutive years. His most notable achievement came when he was selected to represent the USA in the U18 Global Youth 7s tournament in New Zealand. Beyond rugby, Rose achieved a 3.89 GPA at Bayport High School, wrestled for over eight years, winning team state championships, and engaged in community service through coaching flag rugby since 8th grade. Rose has now taken his talents to Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where he plays for the Running Eagles while pursuing a degree in exercise science.
Kaiser Family Scholarship
Renee Blazer, Bowling Green State University
(See above)
Parker Conley, SBCC
With a rugby ball in his hands before he ever held an American football, Parker Conley's passion for the sport began at age nine and has grown into a defining aspect of his identity. Introduced to the game by his father, who played at a competitive level during and after college, Conley has developed into a versatile back, excelling primarily at outside center and flyhalf. His rugby journey includes playing for LA Youth Rugby, Santa Monica Youth Rugby, and his high school team at Mira Costa, where he served as co-captain during his senior year. Conley's talents have earned him selection to the Southern California LA Allstar High School Team for two consecutive years and opportunities to play internationally in Spain and Italy. Beyond rugby, he has demonstrated his commitment to service through the LA Jr. Guards program, where he earned the Jr. Guard Cadet position and helped save five children from rip currents on his first day. Conley will continue his academic and athletic journey at Santa Barbara City College, playing for UCSB while pursuing studies in Fire Sciences and Construction Management.
Terry O'Reilly Memorial Scholarship
Mia Blocher, Saint Mary's College/Notre Dame Women's Rugby
(See above)
Dick Poulson Scholarship
Brody Johnson
Introduced to rugby at age 5 through his Irish mother, Brody Johnson's lifelong passion for the sport has taken him from the Alexandria Rugby Club to national prominence with Gonzaga College High School. Beginning as a scrumhalf for nearly a decade, Johnson played two varsity seasons with Fort Hunt Club Rugby Team before transferring to Gonzaga for his junior year, where he helped secure back-to-back national championships while scoring twice in each championship game. His versatility saw him excel at multiple positions including scrumhalf, inside center, outside center, and wing. Johnson's rugby achievements include selection to the U18 USA team to tour Argentina and Uruguay, participation in EIRA's Ireland tour, and recognition as Man of the Match in the 2023 national championship game. Beyond rugby, he enriches his community through service at the Father McKenna Center and enjoys playing guitar and piano. With guidance from his mentor Mick Galway and cherished memories of attending international matches with family, Johnson will continue his rugby journey at the University of Arizona while pursuing a degree in astronomy, bringing his leadership qualities, calm under pressure, and passion for the sport to the Wildcats' program.
Miguel Solorzano
Finding his rugby passion during the summer before freshman year, Miguel Solorzano quickly evolved from a scrawny soccer player hesitant about contact to a versatile athlete and team captain playing scrumhalf for the Bethesda Roosters. His rugby journey has yielded several Maryland state championships in both 7s and 15s, while tournaments like Tropical 7's, New York 7's, and Cape Fear have helped him develop skills against diverse competition. Initially inspired by a cousin who secured admission to Dartmouth's rugby program with a strong financial package, Solorzano has complemented his rugby development with freshman-year varsity wrestling and Muay Thai training, both enhancing his physical confidence and mental discipline. His community engagement includes serving as an assistant coach for rugby camps, participating in middle school rugby "takeovers," and securing a position as a leading coach for a summer camp focused on Latina girls. After taking an unconventional educational path—homeschooling after freshman year and earning his GED—Solorzano is now committed to Nazareth University's varsity rugby program while pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing, with aspirations to continue to medical school and become an anesthesiologist.
Don Burgess International Scholarship
George Pritchard
Transitioning from a lifelong soccer background to rugby in tenth grade, George Pritchard quickly discovered his athletic calling on the pitch. Encouraged by his high school PE teacher, Mr. Jamison, Pritchard embraced rugby's inclusivity and camaraderie, developing a passion that now drives his sporting ambitions. His versatile playing style has allowed him to excel in multiple positions, though he particularly thrives in the center where he can combine physicality with technical skill. Pritchard's talents have earned him selection to Team BC every year since he began playing, attendance at Rugby Canada's U18 camp, and the opportunity to tour New Zealand with BC Elite Sevens. Now representing Western Washington University, the White Rock, British Columbia native balances his academic pursuits in engineering with his athletic commitments through disciplined time management. Beyond the playing field, Pritchard has contributed to his community by volunteering with junior rugby programs, helping younger students develop their own passion for the sport. With short-term goals focused on team success at Western Washington and long-term aspirations of wearing the red jersey for Canada on the international stage, Pritchard remains dedicated to his development both as an athlete and future engineer.
The Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship .
Brady McHugh
Finding respect and camaraderie in rugby's unique culture, Brady McHugh discovered his true athletic calling after transitioning from a decade-long football career at age 14. McHugh excelled in the front row as a hooker and also as a blindside flanker, embracing the gritty, physical demands of these positions with passion. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was selected to captain the U19 Loggers squad against British Columbia, and he helped lead his team to a Rugby WA state championship during his senior year of high school. Beyond rugby, McHugh is an accomplished pianist of 15 years who co-runs a band with teammates, demonstrating how the sport has expanded his horizons and built lasting friendships. Though medical retirement due to brain injuries has concluded his playing career, McHugh's final match at the CRAA National 7s tournament marks a transition rather than an end to his rugby journey. He will continue his academic pursuits at Western Washington University, studying Recreation Management and Leadership with a Tourism concentration while working toward his OUPV Captain's License to pursue a career running fishing charters.
Paul Horne Out of State Resident Scholarship
Oliver Kelleher
Finding his way back to rugby after a brief introduction in fourth grade, Oliver Kelleher rediscovered the sport through a high school friend who patiently explained the game during recess sessions. Transitioning from a lifelong soccer background where he eventually captained his Walpole High School team, Kelleher embraced rugby's camaraderie and creative freedom, first with the Wrentham Barbarians and now with Western Washington University and Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club. His versatility on the pitch spans multiple positions in both 7s and 15s rugby, with particular success at outside center where he leverages his athletic abilities in both attack and defense. Kelleher's rugby highlight came when Western won the National 7s Tournament hosted in Bellingham, celebrated with both family and teammates. Balancing his Environmental Science studies with rugby commitments, Kelleher maintains a packed schedule that allows time for academics, athletics, and personal interests. With short-term goals focused on capturing the 15s National Championship in 2025 and securing revenge against University of San Diego, and long-term aspirations of continuing competitive men's rugby while pursuing a career in marine research, Kelleher represents a player whose family ties to the sport—particularly through his UK-raised mother—have helped shape both his athletic development and life direction.
Preston Worth Scholarship
Lyndon Bailey
Discovering rugby at age 8 through his father's influence, Lyndon Bailey found freedom on the pitch that contrasted with his role as a football lineman, allowing him to showcase his natural speed with ball in hand. While beginning as a fly-half, Bailey grew into a lock forward where his physique proved ideal, developing particular expertise in lineout jumping. His rugby career has progressed through the Los Gatos Lions, San Mateo Wolverines, California Grizzlies, USA Junior National Team, and currently Western Washington University. Bailey's rugby achievements include captaining his state team and earning selection to represent his country internationally. Beyond rugby, he contributed to his high school football team's success as Division 2 state runners-up in California. Bailey balances his academic studies in business at Western with his athletic commitments through disciplined time management, while maintaining dual goals of elevating Western's rugby program to D1A success and representing the United States in the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Family support, particularly from parents who drove him over an hour to practices multiple times weekly and a brother who "paved the way" athletically, has been fundamental to his journey as he continues developing skills that will serve him in both his sporting and professional future.
Marc Jackson
Finding rugby at age 15 during his sophomore year of high school, Marc Jackson joined a newly established team at the encouragement of a good friend, eager to explore a sport he had always wanted to try but couldn't due to COVID disruptions. Despite initial nervousness about the padless contact and unfamiliar rules, Jackson quickly embraced the game alongside his closest friends, experiencing a sense of fulfillment in their collective growth and improvement. His rugby journey took him from Camas Boys Rugby to multiple select-side teams including Oregon Redhawks, PNW Loggers, BC Advantage, and Western Futures before joining Western Washington University. Jackson's versatility saw him evolve from lock to flanker and number eight, and finally to loosehead prop before an injury sidelined him, with flanker and eight-man remaining his preferred positions as they complement his unique combination of size and speed. His competitive achievements include three consecutive state championship appearances with his high school club, securing the title in his junior year. Now focused on playing for a men's club team while preparing for a career in emergency medical services through an upcoming EMT course, Jackson remains dedicated to the sport that taught him discipline and resilience through challenges including championship losses and serious injuries including a broken ankle and separated AC joint. With strong family support—his father even became president of his high school club team—and a commitment to mentoring younger players from his hometown, Jackson exemplifies how rugby builds not just athletes but well-rounded individuals with a passion for giving back to the community.
Sam Schuver
Drawn to rugby in eighth grade through the enthusiasm of his close friend and current teammate Charlie Hepp, Sam Schuver has developed into a creative back who thrives at flyhalf and fullback positions. Beginning with Eastside Tsunami in Portland, Oregon before joining Western Washington University's program, Schuver appreciates the creative elements of his preferred positions and particularly enjoys the kicking aspects of the game. Beyond rugby, Schuver found success on the football field, winning two 6A State championships and earning all-conference honors as a punter during his senior year. His rugby journey hasn't been without challenges, including a fractured collarbone during his junior year of high school that sidelined him for the remainder of the season, though he returned to help lead his team to a state championship the following year. Currently majoring in Communication Studies while pursuing his ultimate goal of becoming a structural firefighter, Schuver balances his academic responsibilities by scheduling earlier classes to allow ample time for homework before practice. With strong family support—including parents and siblings who attend nearly every game regardless of distance or weather conditions—and one sister who takes photos for the entire team, Schuver remains focused on his short-term goal of winning national championships in both 15s and 7s while contributing to his long-term vision of helping Western Washington progress to D1A status.
For more about the US Rugby Foundation and their scholarship programs, go to: usrugbyfoundation.org
