5 Shocking Secrets Behind Belmont Shore Rugby Club’s 2024 National Championship Run
The Belmont Shore Rugby Club (BSRC), a powerhouse in American amateur rugby, has once again cemented its status as one of the nation's premier clubs, with the Men's Division I team achieving a remarkable runner-up finish in the 2024 USA Club Rugby XVs National Championships. This feat, coupled with a national title from the Girls' High School Club 15s team in the same year, highlights a golden era for the Long Beach-based organization, which continues to be a crucial pipeline for US Eagle talent. As of December 23, 2025, the club is already preparing for the 2025 season, with the Men's D1 side set to face the formidable Austin Blacks in a highly anticipated national championship return.
Founded in 1974 in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach, California, the club has built a legacy of tough, high-level rugby, competing fiercely in the Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP) and various national competitions. Their continued success across multiple divisions—from elite men's 15s to their dominant youth programs—makes them a focal point in the American rugby landscape, consistently setting the standard for club rugby excellence in Southern California.
The Belmont Shore Legacy: Notable Players, Coaches, and Leadership
The success of the Belmont Shore Rugby Club is deeply rooted in its strong leadership and the caliber of players and coaches who have passed through its ranks. The club is well-known for producing players who go on to represent the United States at the highest level, a testament to the quality of its development program.
- Stuart Ledsam: The current club President and a vital figure in the organization. The annual Stu Ledsam Cup is named in his honor, underscoring his long-term dedication to player development and the growth of the game in Southern California.
- Ray Egan: Serves as the Men's 15's Head Coach, guiding the Division I and DII teams to their recent national success.
- Ray Lolesio-Pua: The Head Coach for the Women's 15's team.
- Peter Sio: The Head Coach for the Men's 7's team, focusing on the fast-paced, Olympic format of the game.
- Ed Robinson: A former England international rugby player and coach who has contributed significantly to the club and remains an important voice in Long Beach rugby news.
US Eagles and Hall of Famers
Belmont Shore's youth and high school programs are internationally recognized as a breeding ground for future professional talent. The club has directly contributed to the USA Eagles national team roster, including several high-profile names:
- Joe Taufete'e: A current US Eagle and one of the most recognizable American players on the world stage, who developed in the Belmont Shore Youth and HS programs.
- Mike Te'o: Another current US Eagle who honed his skills at BSRC.
- Marcus Tupuola: A US Eagle standout, also a product of the club’s successful youth system.
- Khalea Pahulu: A rising star who was selected for the USA Women's Under 18s team, highlighting the strength of the Girls' program.
- Dave Hodges: A US Rugby Hall of Famer who was mentored by watching the Belmont Shore Rugby Club practice and play, demonstrating the club's long-standing influence on American rugby.
The 2024 Season: A National Runner-Up and Youth Dominance
The 2024 season stands out as one of the most successful years in the club's recent history, showcasing excellence across both the senior and youth levels. The club's performance in the USA Club Rugby XVs National Championships solidified its position among the elite.
The Men's Division I team, after a strong showing as the Pacific Super Regional winner, advanced to the National Championship weekend in Round Rock, TX. Their journey included a decisive victory against Old Blue, winning 27-12, before competing in the national final. Ultimately, the Men's D1 side finished as the National Runner-up in 2024, a phenomenal achievement that sets the stage for a strong 2025 campaign. They have already secured a spot in the 2025 championships and are scheduled to face the Austin Blacks, a testament to their consistent high performance.
In addition to their national championship run, the Men's D1 team competes in the highly competitive Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP), facing tough regional rivals like OMBAC. The club also fields a Men's D2 team, which was noted in the March 2025 USA Club Rugby recap for its competitive performance against teams like San Luis Obispo.
Belmont Shore’s Secret Weapon: The Youth Program and Community
While the Men's D1 team captures national headlines, the true "secret weapon" of the Belmont Shore Rugby Club is its robust and championship-winning youth program. This commitment to developing talent from a young age ensures a continuous supply of skilled players for the senior sides and the national team.
The strength of the youth program was undeniable in 2024 when the Girls' High School Club 15s team was crowned National Champions. This title was won by defeating the 2023 champions, the Majestics, demonstrating the program's ability to compete and dominate at the highest national level. The club's focus on youth rugby is a cornerstone of the Long Beach rugby community and is recognized as one of the top youth sports teams in the region.
The club's influence extends beyond its own teams. It actively participates in collaborative efforts to grow the game in Southern California, including mentorship and knowledge exchange with organizations like UCLA Club Sports. This community-focused approach, which includes providing opportunities for beginners through elite athletes across two men's teams, a women's team, and a comprehensive youth program, is the engine that drives the Belmont Shore legacy forward. Their consistent presence in national championships, alongside other successful Southern California clubs like the San Diego Mustangs and South OC Raptors, confirms that Belmont Shore is not just a club, but a cornerstone of American rugby development.
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