On this episode of the Rugby NorCal Podcast, we sit down with Syracuse University Rugby to spotlight one of the most professional collegiate rugby environments in the United States. The coaching staff explains their partnership with Leinster Rugby, how they built a true high performance culture in only a few years, and what daily life looks like for student athletes who balance rigorous academics with a five day a week rugby schedule. We talk about facilities, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and the pathway from new players all the way to Major League Rugby and national team prospects. If you are a high school player or parent in Northern California who is exploring college rugby options, this episode gives a clear look at what Syracuse offers and how to get involved.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
1. Inside Syracuse’s High-Performance Rugby Environment
How Syracuse evolved from a participation-focused club to a performance-level program in about two years.
Overview of facilities: dedicated rugby field with lights, on-site weight room, and a full-time strength & conditioning coach.
The role of nutrition, mental skills, and off-field development in their weekly rhythm.
2. The Leinster Rugby Partnership
Origin story: how Syracuse alumni connections led to a relationship with Leinster Rugby.
What Leinster brings: coaching clinics, a player development framework, and a model for building homegrown talent.
How the partnership shapes training design, standards, and long-term pathways for Syracuse players.
3. Program Structure and Player Experience
Weekly load:
5 practices per week (around 2 hours per session)
2 dedicated weight-lifting sessions
How coaches support players in balancing academics with rugby (class schedules, communication, and accountability).
What it looks like for different levels of experience:
Brand-new players finding their footing
Established college players looking to grow
MLR and national team prospects seeking a performance environment
4. Team Culture and Standards
The values that drive behavior on and off the field.
How player accountability shows up: attendance, standards, and peer leadership.
The shift from “show up and play” to “compete, improve, and own your development.”
5. Pathways, Community, and Giving Back
Syracuse fields three men’s sides and one women’s side, creating playing opportunities for roughly 60–70 athletes.
Youth and community outreach:
Camps reaching 400+ kids
Coaching education for 135+ youth coaches
Why community involvement matters for player growth and program sustainability.
6. Recruiting and How NorCal Players Can Get Involved
What Syracuse is looking for in recruits:
Motivation and willingness to compete
Coachability and growth mindset
Fit with the team’s culture and values
The range of academic majors represented and how the team functions as an academic support network.
Practical next steps for interested players from Northern California.
Who This Episode Is For
High school players who want a serious rugby environment with strong academic support.
Parents and coaches in Northern California helping athletes explore college options.
Club and high school coaches curious about how a college program builds culture and performance standards.
How to Learn More / Get Recruited
Program Info: Visit Syracuse University Rugby’s website for roster, schedule, and program details.
Recruiting Contact:
Colin O’Hare – Leinster Rugby / Syracuse partnership contact
Email: Colin.OHare@leinsterrugby.ie (as shared on the episode)
Next Steps for Interested Players:
Listen to the full episode to hear exactly what the staff is looking for.
Reach out with your rugby background, academic interests, and highlight film if available.
Consider attending Leinster/Syracuse camps or clinics to experience the environment firsthand.