San Jose Seahawks

 With all the attention of SFGG and even Olympic Club sometimes it’s hard for outsiders to realize that the San Francisco Bay Area has more than just two men’s clubs. In fact there is plenty of men’s clubs from D3-D1 and the PRP now of course. Being from San Jose and well aware of the Seahawks and their accomplishments of late, Ryan from the San José Seahawks was gracious enough to answer some question about the clubs standing in the new Nor Cal men’s DI and of status of Rugby in the South Bay away from San Francisco spot light.

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LLR- First off congrats on starting the season off on the right foot and winning, putting up 45 points. How does it feel now playing in Men’s DI competition and the vibe amongst the team?

RH-  It feels great to be back in Division 1. We played in D1 for a number of years, with good success, before dropping down to D2 in 2008. We always saw that as a temporary move, and we are excited to be back in D1. There is a definite sense of excitement around the club--training sessions are well attended and we had a great turnout of both players and supporters for our first game. Of course, everybody was in a great mood after a win, so we are looking to build off that.

LLR- How about some history on the Seahawks, what the organization has to offer to those interested in giving rugby a try.

RH- The club was founded in 1971, and has fielded very competitive teams ever since. Some of the on field highlights include winning the Monterey National Tournament in 1989--this was in the days before USA Rugby held a formal National Championship, and, as the Monterey Tournament invited the top club from around the country, it was seen as a de facto National Championship Tournament. We made USA Rugby Division 1 Sweet 16 three years running in 2000-2002. As the top players from those teams retired and moved away, we had some lean years, culminating with our move to D2 in 2008. We did have some success at that level, qualifying for the Pacific Coast Playoffs in 2008 and 2012, and are pleased to return to D1 for the current season. We added a youth program--Seahawk Minis-- in 2004, and in recent years we have been fielding women's 7's and XV sides. For a more detailed history of the club, checkout our website: www.sanjoserugby.com

LLR- Being in the bay area, what is your personal take on the makings of the PRP (pacific rugby premiership), is this something that the Seahawks would like to try and get in to or is the DI comp. something perfect for the club.

RH- The PRP is a great idea, and we wish O-Club and SFGG the best of luck. Right now, our focus is on Division 1. We do endeavor to develop our players and all rugby players in the South Bay, and we do believe that if we continue to grow the game here, we will be able to field a side capable of competing at the highest level possible. But right now, we are focused on the challenge in front of us.


LLR- Based on your own opinion what is the status of rugby currently in the South bay, away from San Francisco, and where would you like to see it be in the next 5-10 years.

RH- The state of rugby in the South Bay is very promising, and has made great strides in the past five years. The numbers for our men's side have grown dramatically in that time. Our women's program did not exist at that time. The South Valley Club has sprung up and has some success in D3. SJSU's team qualified for the National Collegiate 7's Tournament this year. From what we hear, there are big numbers our for the youth and high school programs in the area. This is all very exciting, and bodes well for the future of top level rugby in the South Bay. Also, we are very proud of the fact that many of the college, high school, and youth coaches in the South Bay are former Seahawks. Going forward, we would love to see the game continue to grow in the area, and to provide opportunities for elite players to develop their skills and compete at a high level across all age groups.

LLR- A Question I’ve asked SJSU rugby about, are there any plans on the table, ether between club members or amongst other clubs to build rugby specific size fields anywhere, similar to baseball parks or soccer complexes’.

RH- I am not aware of any plans for dedicated rugby facilities in the South Bay. It would be fantastic if we could, either on our own, or in cooperation with other clubs in the area, but given the cost of real estate in San Jose, I don't know how feasible that is. Having a dedicated rugby field and clubhouse would be a tremendous asset to all involved, and we would love to help make that happen.

LLR- How can those who aren’t affiliated with the club help you guys out and where can they go to lend a helping hand?

RH- Those unaffiliated with the club who would like to help can get in touch with me at media.sanjoserugby@gmail.com. Almost everything that the clubs needs to do is done by active players--from administration to field set up and tear down. If anybody would like to volunteer to help with anything, we would welcome them. Beyond that, please patronize our sponsors Nutri-Shop in Los Gatos, O'Flaherty's in downtown San Jose, Rock Tape, and Cross Fit Silicon Valley--and let them know you are a rugby player/coach/supporter. If you know any business that would like to sponsor the club, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so any donations are tax deductible.

LLR- Who’s up next on the schedule of games?

RH- Up next we are playing East Palo Alto Bulldogs at home this Saturday (1/18) and EPA Razorbacks on 2/1.

LLR- Last question, if Rugby was at the point in this country where it was professional or semi pro. And you are a recruiter talking to a potential player, what would you say to convince him to come play for SJ Seahawks.

RH- The Seahawks have a long tradition of playing rugby at a high level. We have a strong community of supporters and former players and try to be actively engaged with local rugby. We take our rugby very seriously, but also understand that being part of a rugby club is more than just practicing and playing together.