As the world’s largest school rugby tournament returns to the southwest London later this month, the buzz at the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s (March 23 - 27) will have a distinctively Californian flavour.
UCLA Men’s Rugby is joining forces with FirstPoint USA as part of its recruitment activities, aiming to identify future talent to join the Bruins rugby roster. Leading the charge is UCLA Head Coach Harry Bennett, who will be stationed at the FirstPoint USA stand throughout the tournament. Bennett is looking to meet with Schools’ Heads of Rugby, aspiring players, and parents to discuss the unique pathway that leads from the muddy pitches of the UK to the sun-drenched campus of Westwood, Los Angeles.
A Proven Pathway from Rosslyn Park to LA
For many at this year’s tournament, the idea of playing top-flight rugby while earning a degree from one of the world's most prestigious universities might seem like a distant dream. However, for three members of the current UCLA roster—including standout sophomore Frederick Jobber formerly of Tonbridge School —that dream is a reality. These players once navigated the same pools and knockout stages at Rosslyn Park, proving that the tournament is a vital stepping stone for international recruitment.
UCLA: An Athletic and Academic Powerhouse
UCLA is not just a university; it is a global brand. Ranked consistently as the #1 Public University in the United States and sitting within the top 20 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it offers an academic prestige that few institutions can match.
On the pitch, the Bruins are an athletic powerhouse. Currently ranked #17 in the D1A National Rankings, UCLA competes at the highest level of US college rugby. The program benefits from world-class facilities, including the Wallis Annenberg Stadium and the Acosta Athletic Complex, which rival the best of professional setups in Europe.
"I am incredibly excited to head back to Rosslyn Park," said Harry Bennett, UCLA Head Coach. "It is truly the best event in the world to see the next generation of young rugby talent in action. We are looking for players who have the skill and the drive to excel both in the classroom and on the field at a place like UCLA.”
The Growth of US College Rugby
Rugby is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the US collegiate system. With the 2031 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the infrastructure and investment in the game are reaching all-time highs. International players are increasingly viewing the US as a viable—and often superior—alternative to traditional academy routes in the UK or Southern Hemisphere.
Sean Lamont, former Scotland international and the new Director of Rugby at FirstPoint USA, emphasized the importance of having the top US college rugby coaches there in person:
"We are looking forward to working in partnership with UCLA to support their talent ID and recruitment internationally. UCLA represents the pinnacle of the student-athlete experience. Our mission is to ensure that the best young players at events like Rosslyn Park understand that there is a world-class pathway waiting for them in the United States."
How to Connect
If you are a player, parent, or coach attending the Rosslyn Park 7s from March 23-27, visit the FirstPoint USA stand to meet Harry Bennett. Whether you're looking for recruitment advice or simply want to learn more about life as a Bruin, the UCLA and FirstPoint USA teams are ready to help you explore your future in the USA.
If you would like to arrange a meeting at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens with FirstPoint USA and UCLA, please contact sean.lamont@firstpointusa.com
