Santa Barbara Rugby Academy

History and Mission

"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be." – George Sheeehan

Santa Barbara Rugby Academy’s mission is to provide a total educational experience with the aim of advancing one’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional development. We train to win, while coached to be better people. We strive for excellence in all facets of life and work to develop the strong values that will best equip us for a successful future. The Santa Barbara Rugby Academy provides approximately 30-40 athletes from America and abroad the opportunity to study at Santa Barbara City College in preparation to transfer a four year University. SBRA ensures participants embrace the concept of balancing their school, work and social life in order to reach their individual goals in sport and in life. Athletes are encouraged to adhere to the values of respect, teamwork, leadership and personal responsibility. Through rugby, we are educating our athletes and aim to change lives forever.

The Academy was founded in 2009 by Kevin Battle and Jim Love at the University of California Santa Barbara. UC Santa Barbara has had a long and rich tradition with rugby, and has been the epitome of excellence since the team began in 1968.

The Santa Barbara Rugby Academy is the only full time rugby academy in America that allows students to train and play rugby as well as study as a full time student. Athletes are kept on a strict academic schedule that prepares them to transfer to an accredited 4-year institute after 2 to 3 years of training. Our goal is to train elite athletes who will not only represent the University, but will also play key roles in the American National Team and other professional teams around the world. The Academy participates in the Pacific Mountain West Collegiate Division II competition representing Santa Barbara City College.

In addition, the SB Rugby Academy is also dedicated to providing services for the entire rugby community. We have organized camps throughout summer and winter that allow players from national and international teams to train. We have also provided coaching courses as well as referee certification.

The Santa Barbara Rugby Academy; we train you to win, but coach you to be a better person.