Santa Barbara Rugby Academy Is Nation’s First
Kevin Battle and Kelly Griffin Train Men and Women in Our Healthy Rugby Ecosystem
Rugby players do not actually eat their dead, although the bumper sticker says so, but they do become bonded in flesh, blood, and spirit during their lifetimes. The camaraderie can be stronger than national affiliations.
“You’re a rugby player first, wherever you go,” said Kevin Battle, director of the Santa Barbara Rugby Academy (SBRA). “That’s the identity that matters. Travel anywhere in the world, look up the local rugby club, and you’ll find people who will be happy to buy you a beer and probably give you a place to stay.”
The SBRA is the nation’s first full-time rugby training program. Started in 2009, it enrolls recruits at S.B. City College and has had 41 players transfer to four-year schools. One of its graduates, Alec Gletzer, plays on the national team. In January, the SBRA will start up a women’s program. It will be led by Kelly Griffin, the captain of the U.S. women’s sevens at the Rio Olympics.
