Oct. 28, 2006
Marine Corps Base Lejeune, N.C. - California head coach Jack Clark and coach Tom Billups spent Oct. 13-28 with the All-Marine Rugby Team, preparing the 25-man squad, most of which recently returned from deployment, before coaching the team at the 2006 Armed Forces Men's Championship. The Marines reeled off a 3-1 record in the tournament en route to facing Air Force in the final, earning a silver medal for their best finish in 18 years.
"They're the most impressive group of men I've ever been around," said coach Clark. "It was a privilege for Tom and me to participate."
The All-Marine team defeated Army, Navy and Coast Guard before meeting Air Force in the gold medal match. It was the best performance in men's rugby by the Marines since they won the Armed Forces Championship in 1988.
The University of California Golden Bears seek their 23rd national championship when they take the field for Cal Rugby's 125th season in 2007.