Improve Your Skills at Cal Rugby Camp
Please note that all Cal Sports Camps are subject to change or cancellation as a result of NCAA and Covid-19 related restrictions.
Join Cal Rugby and Head Coach Jack Clark for the most recognized rugby camp in the country. Cal Rugby has one of the most decorated histories in collegiate sports, including 33 National Championships.
Summer Camp
The Cal Rugby program has a long rich tradition of competitive success founded on superb skills, fitness, and team culture. Our camp mixes Cal's proud rugby heritage with an innovative professional coaching staff. The camp (for rugby players 14-18 years old) emphasizes safe and effective technique while having fun improving at the sport of rugby. Come learn the latest techniques, tactics, and strategies from the international and professional arena. Seminars and presentations scheduled throughout the camp provide important information, in a classroom setting, in areas such as academics, nutrition and recovery, and high performance rugby. Perhaps our best endorsement is the number of young men who have returned for a second, third or fourth summer.
* If you are unable to attend the full three-day camp, single or two day pricing is available. If you have questions, please contact our office at 1-800-645-3226.
Player Groups
The Cal Rugby Summer Camp assembles campers into age appropriate training groups to maximize the learning experience. Rising freshman, sophomores and juniors train together simultaneously alongside rising seniors.
All Cal Sports Camps are open to any and all entrants. For your safety and benefit, we recommend you choose a camp that fits your level of development. All events are subject to change based on NCAA and Covid-19 restrictions. Due to high demand and limited capacity, prices are subject to increase as camp exceeds 25%/50%/75% capacity.
Highlights Include
- Daily instruction and competitive activities at Witter Rugby Field
- Receive coaching from Jack Clark and Tom Billups, with Cal Rugby players serving as camp counselors
- Extensive academic informational presentation by Cal's educational support staff
- Workshops on topics such as sport-specific strength, conditioning and recovery methods, sportsmanship and safety
- Seminars on topics such as academics, laws of the game, performance nutrition
- Healthy and positive learning environment designed to assist each player to improve
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Jack Clark
Head Coach of the Cal Bears for 39 years, Jack Clark has led the team to 24 National Collegiate Championships in 15s, and five National Championships in 7s.
View Jack Clark's Bio ⟩ -
Associate Head Coach Tom Billups
Tom Billups is the Associate Head Coach of Cal Varsity Rugby.
View Tom Billups's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
The Cal Rugby team has a long history of success based on superb skills and a winning attitude. These are qualities we want to share with your sons during camp. Our camp mixes Cal's rich rugby heritage with an innovative staff. The camp emphasizes safety and fun, while we remain on the cutting edge of rugby training. Our coaches bring with them the latest rugby skills, strategy and tactics from the international and professional arena.
All Cal Sports Camps are open to any and all entrants. For your safety and benefit, we recommend you choose a camp that fits your level of development. All events are subject to change based on NCAA and Covid-19 restrictions. Due to high demand and limited capacity, prices are subject to increase as camp exceeds 25%/50%/75% capacity.
Show Less See More Camp DetailsCheck-in/Check-out
Summer Camp: Campers check in at 9:00am each day at the Prospect Court Parking Lot. Players are picked up at The Prospect Court parking lot at 4:00pm.
Winter Camp: Campers check in at 8:30am - 8:55am each day at the Prospect Court Parking Lot. Players are picked up at The Prospect Court parking lot at 3:00pm.
Lunch
Campers must bring their own lunch as food service will be unavailable.
Transportation
US Sports Camps does not provide transportation to and from airports, bus depots, or train stations. The packet we send to registered campers in the spring offers suggestions on shuttle services for each specific camp. For older campers driving themselves to camp, please park at the Maxwell Parking Structure under Maxwell Family Field. From there you can walk over to the Prospect Court Lot for check in.
Information Packets
A detailed camper information packet containing check-in location, health/release forms, emergency contact info, and a list of things to bring will be emailed to all registered campers in the spring.
Important Note: For questions regarding the camp registration process, please contact US Sports Camps at 1-800-645-3226. For all other camp-related questions, please contact Cal Rugby Associate Head Coach, Tom Billups, at [email protected]
All Cal Sports Camps are open to any and all entrants (must meet age and gender requirements).
Sample Summer Schedule
- 8:00-9:00am Camper check-in at the Prospect Court Parking Lot
- 9:30am Skill acquisition activities and drills
- 11:00am Seminars (topics include academics, laws of the game, performance nutrition)
- 12:00-1:00pm Lunch
- 1:00-2:00pm Workshop (topics include sport-specific strength and conditioning and recovery methods, sportsmanship and safety)
- 2:00-4:00pm Golden Bear Rules
- 4:00pm Campers depart
Witter Rugby Field
Nestled in Strawberry Canyon, Witter Rugby Field is the home of Cal varsity rugby - the most successful collegiate program in the country with 33 national collegiate championships. Built in 1995, Witter Rugby Field is a dedicated rugby facility with electronic scoreboards at either end of the field. In the Fall of 2019, a state of the art synthetic playing surface was installed, making Witter Rugby Field the premier athletic surface on Cal's campus.
Camp Reviews
Submit a reviewOverall Average Rating
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really enjoyed the scrimmages
"Manu really enjoyed the scrimmages and meeting other players from all over the world"
— Shaun P. Parent
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Loved all the counselors
"He loved meeting new friends and playing WITH boys he has played against. Loved all the counselors ~ they made it a ton of fun. Looking forward to doing it again and hoping for the overnight experience to open up again!"
— Margaret D. Parent
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Corey A. Parent
"The highlight from Cooper was the personal feedback from the Cal Camp staff. Each day, he came home exhausted and excited about his experience."
— Corey A. Parent
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had fun playing his favorite game while learning new skills
"He made new friends and had fun playing his favorite game while learning new skills and getting better."
— Bogdan M. Parent
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motivated for improvement
"He was motivated for improvement, still felt important as one of the youngest participants, and had fun!"
— Janine H. Parent
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fast paced and vibrant
"It was fast paced and vibrant. He had access to a counsellor at all times to coach and guide him. The modified game format seemed to work well and was fun to watch. I was relieved that the chances of injury were minimized."
— Sally-Mae T. Parent
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enjoyed the interaction
"He enjoyed the interaction with the current Cal Team Members and the opportunity to play against a range of players from around the country."
— Robert P. Parent
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liked all of the playing time
"He liked all of the playing time"
— Kristi J. Parent
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loved the competitive environment
"Frank loved the competitive environment that only the Cal camp can create."
— Dave C. Parent
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had a lot of fun throughout the entire three days
"I had a lot of fun throughout the entire three days. The most memorable parts were days two and three of Golden Bear Rules and the position specific work on day three. The help and feedback from the counselors and coaches was very helpful and made me a more confident player for the afternoon games."
— Finn M. Camper
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enjoyed the scrimmages
"Jonas liked the way that everything was set up so that in the morning he was able to work on certain skills and then apply them in a game situation in the afternoon. He especially enjoyed the scrimmages."
— Andrea R. Parent
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enjoyed the camaraderie
"Max enjoyed the camaraderie, the games and being at his first rugby camp hosted by Cal Rugby."
— Anna R. Parent
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Loved the gameplay!
"Loved the gameplay!"
— Emily J. Parent
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excellent from beginning to end
"Thought it was excellent from beginning to end. He would have liked to hear Coach Clark speak."
— Pete A. Parent
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couldn't have asked for a more positive experience.
"Charlie had a great camp. In addition to becoming a better rugby player, participating in camp gave him a new appreciation for the opportunities available through rugby and the kind of player he can become. As a parent I couldn't have asked for a more positive experience. Go Bears!"
— Ray G. Parent
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Increase in skills, had fun
"Increase in skills, had fun; enjoyed great camaraderie and leadership from Coach Billups and his staff."
— Maddox R. Parent
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impressed by the quality of the camp
"Overall, he though it was very worthwhile. Great exposure to great players. He was impressed by the quality of the camp and he enjoyed meeting young men from around the world."
— Kathleen M. Parent
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awesome staff
"Great opportunity to meet high quality motivated players and work with an awesome staff. Working with the active Cal Players was very motivating"
— David C. Parent
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having so much fun
"My son came home the first evening smiling and happily shared the fact that he is having so much fun and is very happy he attended camp. I have never witnessed him being so excited and engaged at any other camp. He talked about the fun he had and what he learned each night. Thanks you all."
— Cynthia G. Parent
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enjoyed the coaches, learned a lot,
"He enjoyed the coaches, learned a lot, and loved the scrimmages"
— Kelly C. Parent
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amazing experience for him
"Jackson outwardly expressed his excitement at attending camp. He thought the counselors, Coach Billups, and Coach Macdonald were extremely professional and he really loved the structure and professionalism. He loved the camaraderie and competition with the players too! Thank you for providing such an amazing experience for him. Cheers!"
— Jackson L. Parent
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chance to learn and grow as a person and rugby player
"Hudson really enjoyed the camp, reuniting with his rugby teammates, he made some new friends too, had some authentic successes. We are grateful for Coach John Vantress for mentioning this as an chance to learn and grow as a person and rugby player."
— Deanna S. Parent
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really enjoyed playing along side other high level rugby players
"I really enjoyed playing along side other high level rugby players and getting to meet players from all over the U.S. and other countries. Also, learning new skills and improving."
— Evan D. Camper
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great experience
"While the camp as a whole was a great experience, the ability to learn even more about the Cal Rugby program and to get a little taste of what it's like to be a bear stood out."
— Joanne L. Parent
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the most fun
"The last day of games was when he had the most fun."
— Scott M. Parent
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perfect opportunity for him
"Harold has expressed an interest in playing rugby in college. This was a perfect opportunity for him to see what is required to play, as well as what a college program looks like."
— Barton H. Parent
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The experience was off the chart
"The experience was off the chart...the coaching and staffing was world class. My son really improved his skills and truly enjoyed the camp!"
— Jackson G. Parent
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level of rugby played was really of a high level
"He loved to meet so many other rugby players from all over the world. He told us the counsellors and coaches were always available to talk and fun to be with. He loved the on campus experience. He found the level of rugby played was really of a high level, and loved the good vibes among all players."
— Gaelle D. Parent
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a really fun experience.
"I had a great week. It was very organized, competitive and fun. I learned a lot and feel like it’s going to make me a much better player and teammate. Many of my friends and teammates were at the camp, which made it a really fun experience."
— Michael F. Camper
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the coaches and counselors are superb
"Overall, the whole camp is designed for the development of each rugby player while in a environment to bond with campers they meet, and improve by playing rugby together. The schedules for each day are well thought out, and the coaches and counselors are superb. I highly recommend the overnight camp as well, as the day camp while still great, doesn't give the same experience as the overnight."
— Conor J. Parent
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other rugby players from literally around the world
"Staying in the dorm. Interacting with other rugby players from literally around the world. The coaching staff was amazing. And the counselors were awesome he said."
— Jonathon M. Parent
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Overall, I had lots of fun
"The opportunity to learn & just get better with the top rugby coaches & players is just a blessing. I was able to learn & take in a lot that’ll not only help me, but what I can take back to my team. Overall, I had lots of fun & especially meeting new people from all over the world."
— Kenneth F. Camper
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everyone helped him improve
"Welcoming, enjoyed the other boys and his coaches. He hadn't played in 5 years (since leaving England) and even tho he wasn't in the top slots, everyone helped him improve and he's looking forward to picking it up and trying for the side in College"
— Peter N. Parent
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always impressed
"We are always impressed with quality of coaching at the Cal Varsity Camp and this year was amazing. Hunter always enjoys the high level of competition, meeting other players from around the globe, and reconnecting with players he knows from previous camps or all star teams. This experience is always excellent and he has only missed one camp since his 8th grade year. Thanks so much to al of the coaches and Cal players who clearly spend a great deal of time with each player who attends."
— Barbara M. Parent
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Had a great time!
"Our son enjoyed the camp and the new rugby friends that he made from all over the US! Thank you and Go Bears!"
— Gary H. Parent
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Wonderful Opportunity
"Great opportunity to get to practice with the best team&staff in the country !"
— Patrick G. Camper
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Fantastic
"Coaches and counselors were fantastic, excellent organization, loved it."
— Parents
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Lifetime Experience
"This was a life time experience for my son thank you for giving him this opportunity."
— Father
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Overall great program
A great camp, but it would be better if there were fewer participants so as to enable to more pitch space and game time.
— Grant O. Camper
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Great Camp!
"Great camp! An awesome opportunity for kids."
— Parent
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Great Program
Amazing Camp. Keep up the great work.
— John O. Parent
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Well done!
Well organized. Seminars were interesting and useful. My son was extremely happy with the camp and wants to return.
— Jane P. Parent
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I'll be back!
This is the third time that I have attended the Cal Rugby camp and I look forward to it, every year. As I head into my junior year of high school, I know the skills I've learned and enhanced at the Cal Rugby will greatly assist me in my upcoming varsity and club seasons. Thanks for everything.
— Ryan F. Camper
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.