Belmont Shore RFC facts for kids
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| Full name | Belmont Shore Rugby Club | |
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| Union | USA Rugby | |
| Founded | 1974 | |
| Location | Long Beach, California, US | |
| Ground(s) | Long Beach State rugby field | |
| President | Stuart Ledsam | |
| Coach(es) | Ray Egan | |
| League(s) | Pacific Rugby Premiership | |
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| Official website | ||
The Belmont Shore Rugby Club is a rugby team from Long Beach, California. It's named after the Belmont Shore area, which has a long history of playing rugby. This club is part of the exciting sport of rugby union in the United States.
Contents
Club History
The Belmont Shore team started in 1974. It was one of the first teams in the US Rugby Super League when it began in 1997. This was a top league for rugby teams in the country.
The team has been very successful. They reached the Super League Finals seven times in ten years. They won the league championship four times, with their last win in 2007. They were also second place in 2005 and 2006.
In 2009, Belmont Shore left the Rugby Super League. Later, in 2014, they joined another major league called the Pacific Rugby Premiership.
Team Achievements
Belmont Shore Rugby Club has won many awards and championships:
- Rugby Super League Champions: 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007
- Rugby Super League Runner-up: 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008
- US Men's Division I National Championship Runner-up (15s): 2010
- US Men's 7s National Champions: 2009, 2011, 2012
- US Men's 7s National Runner-Up: 2008, 2010
- US Men's Division I National Champions (15s): 2012
Belmont Shore Teams
Belmont Shore Rugby Club has teams for both adults and young players.
- The adult teams play in the Pacific Rugby Premiership and Division I.
- The youth division has many teams for different age groups, from Under-8 to Under-19. This means kids of all ages can learn and play rugby!
Team Sponsors
Sponsors are companies that help teams with money or supplies. The SuperLeague used to have a main sponsor called Michelob Amber Bock. Belmont Shore also has its own sponsors. Some of their important sponsors have included CP Ships, Dr Pepper/7Up, DCL Direct, and Kudu Rugby.
Famous Players
Many talented players have been part of the Belmont Shore Rugby Club. Some have even played for the United States national team!
Players for the United States National Team
- Mike Hercus: A fly-half who played in 36 international games. He scored 387 points for the national team.
- Chris Ostentowski: A prop who played in 8 international games.
- Francois Viljoen: A fullback who played in 13 international games and scored 63 points.
Other Notable Players
- Craig Wells: Played for Australia's Under-21 team and the NSW Waratahs. He was also part of Australia's World Cup training squad.
- Lee Peina: A halfback from Northland.
- Joe Taufete'e
- Mike Te'o
Coaches of Note
- Ray Egan: He was the head coach for Belmont Shore until February 2016. After that, he coached the San Diego PRO Rugby team.
Other Rugby Teams in Long Beach
Belmont Shore isn't the only rugby team in Long Beach!
- The Belmont Shore Women's Rugby Football Club, also known as the "Landsharks," has won two national championships.
- Coast Women's RFC is another women's team.
- Long Beach State also has a men's club team. They have reached the National Final Four tournament four times.
