Sept. 14, 2010

BERKELEY - The Golden Bear rugby team was honored during 2010 National Championship Week at the University of California Sept. 6-11, culminating with its recognition during halftime of the Sept. 11 football game between California and Colorado before more than 50,000 fans on national television.

Related events during the week began with the unveiling of the National Championship Display Case and Highlight Video Sept. 7 in Haas Pavilion and followed the next day with a celebratory reception hosted by Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and Mary Catherine Birgeneau at the University House on campus.

"It's a pleasure to be welcomed into the Chancellor's home," said graduated senior tri-captain Keegan Engelbrecht of the team's visit to University House. "We're students first and athletes second, and it's nice to know that figureheads like [the Chancellor] show support for what we do."

In May, head coach Jack Clark's rugby team continued one of American sport's most enduring dynasties, capping a 26-0 season by winning the program's 25th national title with a 19-7 victory over Brigham Young. Eleven ruggers were named All-Americans following Cal rugby's first perfect season since 2002.